BELEAGUERED Morton bosses today appear set to axe their controversial hoop-less new home kit before it has even been officially launched — following a storm of protest from fans. 

Supporters have reacted furiously to the new 2016/17 jerseys in the wake of a picture exclusive in Tuesday’s Tele, and the strips have now been withdrawn from the club’s online shop.

Ton diehards have branded the kit ‘cheap and nasty’ and have also described it as a ‘disgrace’ in online posts.

One fan even launched a petition — which has almost 500 signatures so far — calling on people to boycott it in protest.

The Cappielow faithful are angry that the famous blue and white hoops have disappeared and are also unhappy at the ‘tacky’ new sponsor logo and club badge.

Supporter Ian Lamond claimed the kit is not befitting of a professional club.

He said: “The worst top I have seen in a while — disgrace. I would not let my amateur team wear that.”

To add insult to injury, stockists Smith’s of Greenock relegated the side by suggesting the club will be competing in League One next season as opposed to the Championship.

But the club — which has now postponed Saturday’s planned kit launch — today told the Tele that it is listening to fans and is working on a plan to rectify the situation.

A Morton spokesman said: “The board of directors at Greenock Morton FC would like to emphasise the fact that we are listening to you, our supporters, and understand your concerns. 

“As a club we are keen to improve our engagement with fans and build on the excellent community initiatives in recent years.

“We recognise in relation to the kit that we need to take this to the next level and involve supporters in the design process.

“I can assure you that we have read through all of the correspondence received over the past 24 hours and are currently formulating a plan that we believe will be pleasing for everyone.

“We will do our best to inform you of this progress in the next few days.

“The very best wishes from everyone at GMFC.”

Within hours of the strip being unveiled, fans took to social media to vent their anger and the Australian version of football magazine FourFourTwo asked if it is the ‘worst kit in history?’

Fans also commented on the Tele Facebook page.

Jacqueline Coombes said: “The circle badge itself makes the strips look cheap. Why is it not embroidered straight onto the jersey rather than a badge style?”
Heather Dillon added: “I think it’s horrible and looks cheap and nasty.”

Morton supporter Robert McCahill started the Change.org online petition to ‘Bring Back the Hoops’ and says his beloved Ton is currently a laughing stock.

He said: “Other clubs have had a real go, particularly St Mirren. But I suppose that’s to be expected.

“There’s been a lot of laughing at our expense, which isn’t nice from a fans’ point of view.

“Going by the people I have spoken to in person and from what I’ve seen on the fans’ forums they are unhappy with the strip and want to retain the hoops.”