Euro 2016: Xherdan Shaqiri hopes Puma ‘doesn’t make condoms’ as sportswear giants investigate torn Switzerland shirts
XHERDAN SHAQIRI hopes "Puma doesn't make condoms" as the panicking sportswear giants investigate why FOUR Switzerland shirts were torn in their 0-0 Euro 2016 draw with France.
The German manufacturer were left red-faced when Breel Embolo, Granit Xhaka, Admir Mehmedi and Blerim Dzemaili had their shirts torn in their 0-0 tie with the hosts.
In fact the Swiss team had more holes in their rip-off £110 uniforms than their famous national cheese as they battled hard on the pitch.
Stoke City star Shaqiri quipped: "I hope Puma don't produce condoms."
And former England striker Gary Lineker also joked on Twitter: "Swiss team's Puma shirts tearing like paper. Adidas ball bursting. You can never rely on German efficiency!"
But now Puma spokesperson Kerstin Neuber said: "Our five Puma teams have previously had ten games at the European Championships and played without this issue occurring.
"Our product experts are currently investigating the jersey material. Once we know the cause, we will inform you."
Puma are desperate to keep the construction of the material for their shirt a secret. Although the shirts fans buy look the same, they are in fact a different fabric to the shirts the players wear.
Arsenal fans - and the Gunners' new Swiss signing Granit Xhaka - will watch on with concern after the ripped shirts were shown on international television.
One source reckons the tears occur because of a hot iron pressed on to the shirt when the player names and numbers are stuck on.
Swiss jersey retailer Ramon Serrano said: "It has been clearly seen that it has divided the national jersey in the match against France around the numbers.
"Especially with Xhaka and Embolo, that was clearly evident. By printing 150 degrees, there may be a chemical reaction. In addition, the jersey is tighter because of the hot print. The shirt is not as elastic as before and more vulnerable."
