NORWICH have terminated their new sponsorship deal with BK8 after a furious backlash.
The Canaries have mutually ended their deal with the Asian gambling firm after just three days and apologised for offence caused.
It comes after fans blasted the Premier League club’s sponsor for being ‘soft porn’ and ‘sexist’.
They previously posted pictures of scantily clad women on their social media platforms.
There were also videos on their YouTube channel of women carrying out activities with a clear sexual innuendo on shows hosted by male presenters.
But Norwich have acted fast in terminating their deal and are searching for a new sponsor.
A club statement read: “The club and BK8 have taken on board feedback from its supporters and partners, and after continued discussions we have agreed to immediately end the partnership.
“As a club, we’re proud of our place within the local community and our relationship with supporters around the world. We have worked tirelessly for a considerable time building relationships across a wide range of mediums and community projects.
“Whilst we anticipated some negative responses to the announcement of the partnership with a betting company, the club understands the reaction to BK8, their affiliates and other similar brands’ ways of marketing, the values of which do not align with those of the football club.
“On this occasion, we got it wrong. For that, and any offence caused, the club apologises.”
Fans were angry when the new sponsorship was announced earlier this week.
One Carrow Road supporter wrote on Twitter: “So today we confirmed we sold our best player & announced a new shirt sponsor with an Asian betting firm with 200 Twitter followers and an Instagram page that is basically soft porn…
“It’s not even midday.”
A second fan added: “Within an hour of the sponsorship being announced, Norwich fans have done more background checks than the whole club, shambles.”
A third wrote: “Norwich have had a shocker of a morning. I have no issues with a betting company, but their online profile is so sleazy & embarrassing.”
The BK8 main Instagram account was removed but their YouTube channel remains.
Norwich chief operating officer Ben Kensell said: “We have worked hard to build trust and engagement through our countless initiatives with our supporters and partners. We place huge value on our open and honest relationships with our community and supporters.
“As a self-financed club there is always a fine balance between generating the revenue levels required to help maintain that model, whilst working within our visions and values.
“On this occasion, we made an error of judgement. Our standards were not at the levels we demand of our football club.
“We can now only apologise to our supporters and former players, Grant Holt and Darren Eadie, who were across the BK8 promotional launch campaign, for any offence caused.
“We remain highly committed to diversity and equality across our football club and its community. We want to continue to embed a highly inclusive culture across the club, together with an accessible and welcoming environment free of demeaning and discriminatory behaviours.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
