Why Sunderland are wearing blue vs Newcastle today - Premier League rule forces derby kit switch
Sunderland switch to blue kit as Premier League rules prevent clash with Newcastle’s traditional colours
Sunderland will wear their blue kit for today’s Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United due to a clash between the two clubs’ traditional home colours.
While Newcastle have, on occasion, worn their black-and-white home strip in this fixture - most recently in last season’s FA Cup meeting at the Stadium of Light - the two sides’ striped kits are considered too similar to be used together under current regulations. As a result, a change is required to ensure clear visual distinction for players, officials, supporters and broadcasters, particularly for those with colour vision deficiency.
The Premier League handbook sets this out under Rule M.22, which states that both teams must wear strips that “differ visibly from and contrast with one another” to avoid any confusion on the pitch or for viewers. With Newcastle United in their traditional black and white strip, it has therefore been determined that an alternative kit is needed - leading to the Black Cats wearing blue for the derby.
Rule M.22 of the Premier League Handbook outlines the procedure for determining which kits away clubs can play in: “When playing in League Matches the Players of each participating Club shall wear a Strip which differs visibly from and contrasts with one another to ensure that Match Officials, Players, spectators and television viewers (including those with colour vision deficiency) will be able to distinguish clearly between the two teams.”
What did Régis Le Bris say ahead of the Newcastle United game
When asked about injuries during a pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Le Bris responded: “We have a late assessment for them. We know already that Jocelin [Ta Bi], Nilson [Angulo], Bertrand [Traore], and Romain [Mundle] will be sidelined for this game.
“For the others, we have a late assessment because they are working hard behind the scenes, getting ready for this fixture. It's really important for us. It might be a pure medical decision. We won't take unnecessary risks. We still have seven games after this one and an international break to manage the last part of the rehab, if necessary.” On the nature of Ballard’s injury, he added: “It was a discomfort in the hamstring zone so we'll see.”
“I had this conversation with Nordi 10 minutes ago, before the press conference. Nordi and the others pushed at the maximum to be ready for this fixture. After that, we can't make an emotional decision. It has to be a rational decision, purely medical.
“If he plays 20 minutes, for example, and gets an injury at the end of the game, he will miss maybe eight or nine weeks after that, which is a shame. I like their behaviour, because they want to be involved. They understand how important this game is, the necessity to be connected for the squad. Not only for the derby, but for the end of the season. It's always a good sign when the players injured are committed. It's a sign. They want to play, they want to be connected to the squad. After that, you have to make a decision.”