Online traders cashing in on killer Raoul Moat's 'popularity' by selling sick T-shirts for £8
By
Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:37 PM on 16th July 2010
Unscrupulous traders are cashing in on the sick wave of support for killer Roaul Moat by selling 'commemorative' T-shirts, it emerged today.
On the website Ebay, one selling was offering garish orange T-shirts emblazoned with the murderer’s face over the word ‘Moaty’.
The shirts were selling for £8 each and came in a range of sizes - including one aimed at children aged nine to ten.
Bad taste: An anonymous seller on website eBay offered orange T-shirts with Raoul Moat's face and the word 'Moaty' for £8. The site has now removed the item
Online offer: The eBay site showing the 'Moaty' T-shirt on sale before it was removed. It came in all sizes, including children's
The anonymous seller, who comes from Nottingham, described the T-shirt as 'tasteful' and adds: 'Love him or hate him, Raoul Moat is the man everyone is talking about. Fans need look no further!'
The garish orange is the same colour as the shirt worn by Moat in CCTV footage taken hours before he shot his ex-girlfriend Samantha Stobbart, his ex-girlfriend, murdered her new boyfriend, Chris Brown and blinded policeman David Rathband as he sat in his patrol car.
The shirts, available in 15 colours, depict the footballer's face with a fishing rod and the words 'Moaty, It's Me Gazza'
Within minutes of being told that the T-shirts were on sale on the site by the Daily Mail, eBay removed the listing.
Orange T-shirt: The traders chose the same colour as the one Moat was seen wearing in CCTV pictures
'We have over 100 million items for sale on eBay and are absolutely committed to keeping offensive items off the marketplace,’ said a spokesman.
‘These listings contravened our policy and were removed as soon as they were brought to our attention.'
Under eBay’s terms and conditions, the site bans items that 'promote or glorify hatred, violence, racial, sexual or religious intolerance'.
The site says it also removes listings that 'portray graphic violence or victims of violence, unless they have substantial social, artistic, or political value’.
Ebay’s prompt action stands in stark contrast with Facebook’s refusal to remove the Moat tribute page - which was taken down by the woman who posted it.
However, tasteless Moat T-shirts are still available.
Another web shop, run by a Leeds United fan, is selling T-shirts commemorating the bizarre appearance of ex-England footballer Paul Gascoigne at the scene of Moat’s capture in Rothbury last week.
The shirts, available in 15 colours, depict the footballer's face with a fishing rod and the words 'Moaty, It’s Me Gazza’.
At least Ebay acted when they were informed, unlike facebook who have allowed the lunatics to take over the asylum.
Its just a pity that the media dont have the same morals as they preach and stop printing stories about this case.
When you analyse what we are subjected to by the media, is it any wonder we are in the state we are in this county.
But if you really think about it, what we read is the ramblings of just a handful of reporters and editors who force their opinions,( often based on a total lack of facts) on us as news, when in reality they are just selling newsprint or capturing audience ratings to justify their jobs.
Anyone who watched John "Soppy" Sopel stutter and fumble for words whilst covering the event live on BBC news, has to wonder about the quality of the people employed by the media. And he was Political Journalist of the Year in 2007 !!! God help us all.
- Tom, Cambridge, 16/7/2010 10:17
Report abuse