Source: Sify
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=13523197
On July 16, 2004 Sify reported, "A leading footwear company of London, which displayed the sacred 'Om' symbol on its sandals, has apologized to Hindus and withdrawn the sale of the product after the community members protested against the 'insensitive' depiction. 'I take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of Lacey's Footwear for any offence or hurt the design on the sandal has caused to any member of the Hindu community,' Michael Ridgway of Lacey said in a statement last night. 'We were completely unaware that the design could be read as a mirror image of the symbol OM. However, in view of the serious nature of the Hindu Forum's comments, we are acting immediately to withdraw this shoe from sale.' Ramesh Kalidai, Secretary General of the Hindu Forum of Britain said: 'The symbol represents a manifestation of God and it is considered deeply offensive for people to step on it with their foot.'"