Arsenal vs Man Utd could be left unwatchable for fans due to potential kit clash
ARSENAL’S clash with Manchester United had some fans fearing it would be unwatchable due to a major kit problem.
The Gunners were hosting the Red Devils at the Emirates for the 4.30pm kick-off in the Premier League.
And the mammoth showdown is being broadcast live on Sky Sports – FOLLOW ARSENAL VS MAN UTD WITH OUR LIVE BLOG.
However, supporters feared they would be unable to tell the two teams apart.
That is because Arsenal will wear their regular red home kit.
United obviously cannot play in their red home kit – so are instead are turning out in their dark green away strip with white stripes.
But for colourblind viewers, the two shirts may well look very similar.
United, though, are going to wear black shorts and socks which will contrast the white shorts and socks of the home side.
Twitter user Museum of Jerseys posted a version of the impact of protanopia on today’s kits – with red and green often confused and indistinguishable.
United do have a white third kit this season – but that shirt is supposed to be worn with red shorts and socks which would cause an overall clash with Arsenal’s red and white kit.
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Interestingly, the Premier League handbook does instruct clubs to consider colourblindness when selecting kits for matches.
This includes notifying teams of potential colour clashes and encouraging them to use different patterns – such as striped kits – and contrasting shorts and socks, but the Premier League clubs have first choice on which kit they want to wear for any given match.
Fans, though, took to Twitter to blast United’s decision.
One said: “Not sure what would be wrong with our third shirt with the black alternate home shorts.”
Another wrote: “Really bad for colourblind viewers. The Premier League should be better a this.”
A third added: “By the way, this does not show what it’s like watching a game at all, the reality is far, far worse.”
Another said: “This kit clash is not ok for us colourblind folk.”
And a final user hilariously quipped: “If you aren’t sure the red No8 [Martin Odegaard] is stood up with the ball and the green No8 [Bruno Fernandes] is rolling around somewhere like he’s been taken out by a sniper.”
Supporters were also frustrated that Tottenham decided to wear their navy away kit to take on Burnley in their claret home strip yesterday.
Ironically, Arsenal have a dark green alternate kit as well this season but also can call on the bright yellow away number.