Newcastle United apologised after an 'offensive flag' was shown in its kit launch video. _(Image: Owen Humphreys)_
[Newcastle United](http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle) have altered the advert for their newest kit after an 'offensive flag' was spotted in the video.
The club's third kit for the 2025/26 season was launched on Monday (June 30) and pays homage to the Magpies' 1997/98 deep blue, green and orange away kit.
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A video starring hometown rock 'n' roll star Sam Fender and set in the city's Tyneside Irish Centre was released on the same day. But the was deleted and from all of the club's social media accounts after a flag appearing to be an homage to the Japanese 'Rising Sun' flag was spotted in the ad. An adapted video was then posted later in the day.
A Newcastle United spokesperson said: "We have been alerted to the appearance of a flag in our recent third kit launch video that could inadvertently cause offence.
“In response, we immediately removed the video from circulation and have taken steps to edit the visual from all future content.
"We sincerely apologise for any offence caused."
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After reposting the adapted video, Newcastle said: "The reaction to our new third kit with adidas has been special, but the launch video contained a scene that could inadvertently cause offence.
"We apologise for that. We’ve removed the scene from the film to make sure that as many fans as possible can enjoy it."
The Northern Echo understands the flag was brought along to the shoot by an individual supporter and was not designed or provided by the club or adidas.
The flag, used by the Japanese military during the Second World War, is banned by FIFA and was the source of controversy featuring a former Newcastle player, Ki Sung-yueng.
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In a match between South Korea and Japan in 2011, Ki was accused of making a racist gesture after seeing the flag at the match, which was responded to by some of his compatriots referring to the flag design as a 'war crime flag'.
In May, the club confirmed it would travel to South Korea for pre-season matches against K-League XI and Tottenham. It is the club's first trip to South Korea in history.