Umbro have moved to apologise for "any offence we have unintentionally been party to" over Linfield's new away strip.
The purple top with an orange stripe was criticised on its release last week over its apparent similarities to the flag of the Ulster Volunteer Force.
The loyalist paramilitary group were responsible for a significant number of deaths during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Umbro say they oppose all discrimination and will not be promoting their product on any of their platforms.
A statement to the Irish Daily Mirror read: "At Umbro we believe in the unifying and democratic power of football. This is why we are opposed to all forms of discrimination, discriminatory behaviour and violence.
"Kit designs are a collaborative process and this kit was based purely on guidance from the club. We apologise unreservedly for any offence we have unintentionally been party to.
"Furthermore there will be no promotion of this product on any Umbro channels."
Linfield are adamant that any similarities in design are accidental and a coincidence while also emphatically voicing their opposition to "bigotry, prejudice, violence and discrimination".
"Earlier this week Linfield FC revealed images of the club's new away kit for the 2020/21 season.
"The design has met with approval from large numbers of supporters but unfortunately and sadly, there have been certain suggestions from a small number from outside the club which this club can not ignore.
"For the avoidance of all doubt, the design is of a football kit for a football club and any similarity / likeness / resemblance with any other design used by any other entity is totally coincidental and entirely unintentional.
"Any allegation or inference to the contrary is robustly and vigorously rejected by this club which prides itself on being inclusive, open to all and representative of all.
"Linfield FC is totally opposed to all forms of bigotry, prejudice, violence and discrimination."
