‘I hope they don’t make condoms’: Swiss star jokes as 4 Puma jerseys rip during Euro 2016 game
France and Switzerland may have served up a snoozefest in their final group game at Euro 2016, but sportswear companies Puma and Adidas had plenty to keep them occupied during the 90 minutes.
Sunday's dull goalless draw in Lille won't win any awards for entertainment, but four ripped kits and one burst ball during the game sparked plenty of debate elsewhere.
Granit Xhaka had to change his jersey twice during the game, while Admir Mehmedi and Breel Embolo also required replacements after what appeared to be less-than-vigorous tugs.
Whats up with #Sui#PUMA jerseys tonight? 3rd player getting his jersey ripped. #EURO2016pic.twitter.com/HPeSYaqODi
— FootyRoom (@footyroom) June 19, 2016
Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri amusingly summed up the kit woes by saying, "I hope Puma does not produce condoms," while BBC TV's Gary Lineker took to Twitter to question the quality of the equipment.
Swiss team's Puma shirts tearing like paper. Adidas ball bursting. You can never rely on German efficiency!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 19, 2016
A Puma spokesperson told the Guardian: "Five Puma teams have played 10 games in this tournament without such problems.
"Our product people are currently investigating the shirt material. We will provide a further update when we have one."
Puma Got #SUI Jersey From China City- #Euro2016pic.twitter.com/EVN7eAzsA8
— Sibs Macd (@SibsMacd) June 19, 2016
Adidas were also embarrassed when one of their footballs burst as Antoine Griezmann was challenged by Valon Behrami.
One of Griezmann's studs appeared to put a hole in the ball. The balls retail at over $150.
That moment when you tackle so hard, you burst the ball. ?? #SUIFRA#Euro2016pic.twitter.com/ivtjDDllRo
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 19, 2016
In a statement, Adidas said: "We are looking into what happened. Incidents of this nature are extremely rare.
"The reason for the tear has not yet been identified, but Beau Jeu [the tournament ball] has been widely praised by respected experts for its contribution to the exciting start to the tournament."
The result of the match was enough to send both teams through to the last 16. France will face one of the best third-placed finishers in Lyon on Sunday, while Switzerland will play the second-placed team from Group C in Saint-Etienne on Saturday.