El Corte Inglés Portugal was forced to issue an apology after putting a children's t-shirt on sale that sparked a wave of criticism. The garment in question featured a blue and yellow rectangle, reminiscent of the Ukrainian flag, with a red cross over the geometric shape.

The t-shirt, from the Spanish brand Gocco, which was available as part of a campaign selling various discounted items, drew widespread criticism not only in Portugal, particularly on X network (formerly Twitter), but also in Spain.

It is also worth noting that the t-shirt, described as a 'Geometric Graphic T-shirt', was not only on sale, but was also the main image of the campaign, with the name 'Internet Week'.

They went further on the Portuguese version of El Corte Inglés website, these children's t-shirts from the Spanish brand Gocco, except a crossed out regular price, have a crossed out Ukrainian flag on the shirt in addition. pic.twitter.com/UEFonQa3tZ

— Trollstoy (@Trollstoy88) May 13, 2024

Não quis acreditar que o @elcorteingles @ElCorteInglesPT fosse este tipo de empresa, que promove um tipo de ódio dissimulado, muito menos através de crianças, mas a verdade é que a t-shirt não só está à venda, como faz parte da imagem de promo.
Que ideia de
foi esta? pic.twitter.com/X1rLlDkhY1

— Teresa - I need ammunition, not a ride! (@teresa_gcp) May 12, 2024

Moda primavera verano en El Corte Inglés. Están en Ucrania echando humo con esto pic.twitter.com/QPwlwmJUz9

— On the other side of the Berlin Wall (@03690jul) May 11, 2024

In the face of criticism, El Corte Inglés Portugal regretted the incident.

"We care about everyone's opinion and, conveying Gocco's words, the brand's designs are made with great care and respect for all communities and countries," reads a statement released on social media on Sunday.

"Therefore, the brand has presented products similar to the model, but in other colors. The designs are created following values such as passion for fashion, quality and family, always trying to convey the spontaneity and naturalness of being a child," the statement reads.

"El Corte Inglés and Gocco regret having offended some people, without having that intention," it adds.

Comunicado pic.twitter.com/2LPkLxiZpr

— El Corte Inglés PT (@ElCorteInglesPT) May 12, 2024

This Monday, it is still possible to find the product available on the brand's website, although it appears as "sold out".

So far, El Corte Inglés's page in Spain has not yet issued any communication.

Read Also: RTP asks EBU for explanations for delay in announcing Iolanda's performance (Portuguese version)