Colombia plane crash: Brazilian company Netshoes provoke fierce backlash after raising prices of Chapecoense shirts hours after plane disaster that killed 71
Sponsored by
A BRAZILIAN company has been slammed after almost doubling their prices for Chapecoense football shirts.
Tragedy struck on Tuesday morning as 71 people died when a plane carrying footballers, coaches, journalists and crew members crashed in Colombia.
Only three members of Chapecoense football team survived the horrific ordeal.
But as the world mourns the tragic accident, Brazilian company Netshoes saw an opportunity to earn some extra cash.
Shortly after the crash, the team's jersey went from costing 129 Brazilian Reais (£30) to 249,90 Reais - approximately £59.
And the move has provoked fierce criticism with clients accusing Netshoes of trying to make a profit from the expense of the victims.
However the company have released a statement saying: "At the occassion of Black Friday, Chapecoense jerseys were at a promotional price.
"This morning, we sold the last unites of the Black Friday stock - which led our system to change to the original pricing."
Just six people survived the plane crash including three players, one journalist and two crew members.
The team were travelling to face Colombian side Atletico Nacional in the final of Copa Sudamerica - the biggest match in the club's history.
As news filtered of the impact of crash, grieving Chapecoense supporters made their way to their home stadium to pay tribute as teary fans embraced one another and laid down flowers.
In a desperately unlucky series of events, it was revealed that red tape regulations forced them onto a potentially faulty aircraft.
related articles
The footballing world have also paid their respects with the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona all holding minute silences during their training sessions.
Atletico Nacional have also requested that the title is handed to Chapecoense as a matter of respect to the side whilst Brazilian teams will send players on loan without any cost to help out the club.
They also ask that Chapecoense are exempt from relegation for three seasons.
Heartbreaking selfies of the players emerged just before the flight was due to take off and one player named Tiaguinho found out he was going to be a father just one week before he was killed.
Three members of the Brazilian side were not on the plane because they were due to miss the final through either injury or suspension.
Football legends have also paid their respects by taking to Twitter including Brazil hero Pele.
He said: “Brazilian football is in mourning. It is such a tragic loss. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased. Rest in peace.”