Reading FC have been mocked for their bizarre third kit which is inspired by a PUB.
The League One side – relegated last season – has launched the purple strip which has a turtle shell pattern on it.
Fans will have to shell out £100 for the wacky design full kit.
But it is a nod to The Purple Turtle Bar – popular with students – in the Berkshire town.
It is a two-and-a-half mile drive from their Select Car Leasing Stadium home.
Local Leo Morgan fumed: “Looking like a bus seat.”
Sam Snowdon added: “Terrible kit, for f*ck’s sake.”
Another said: “Not sure what to think of this.”
Andrew Buswell quipped about Union Street in Reading – known as Smelly Alley because it was historically full of fishmongers.
He said: “Can’t wait for next year when they launch the ‘Smelly Alley’ away kit.”
Yet Andy Smith said: “Iconic.”
Indie band The Amazons, from the town, launched the kit for the 2023/24 season at the pub with a gig.
The Royals were formed 152 years ago in the building next to the boozer.
Former chairman Sir John Madejski and then manager Brian McDermott partied there after promotion to the Premier League in 2012.
A Reading FC spokesperson said: “Our third kit for 2023-24 was unveiled in the heart of Reading inspired by another hometown link.
“In front of an exclusive group of season ticket holders, local band The Amazons were the headline act in the big reveal.
“It could only have happened at the Purple Turtle.
“Our home strip shows the silhouettes of local landmarks. Our away strip bears the image of the Maiwand Lion.
“And our third kit is unmistakably inspired by the Purple Turtle, an iconic venue in the centre of our town, and which holds a place in our history.
“In December 1871, Reading FC was formed in a first-floor meeting room in 10 Gun Street. Today, the Purple Turtle stands next door.
“And the Turtle truly became part of Reading lore when Brian and Sir John partied into the night in May 2012.
“The Amazons will play the Main Stage at Reading Festival this year… but this homecoming event was a little more intimate.
“They’re local lads, Reading supporters through and through – and their track ‘Black Magic’ returns as our walk-out music this season.
“Like all of our kits this season, the third shirt is made from Eco-Fabric – 100% of which comes from recycled plastic bottles. It is part of the ‘Macron 4 The Planet’ campaign, which is committed to introducing new eco-sustainable products to the market.
“It echoes our ongoing commitment to sustainability, which began with our high-profile climate stripes kit last season.”
Reading were relegated from the Championship last term.
They have spent three seasons in the Premier League in the last two decades.
