Arsenal were forced into late kit change for Bilbao clash. Without even kicking the ball, an unusual event took place before Arsenal’s Champions League opener against Athletic Bilbao. Arsenal were forced to alter their kit at the very last moment. When UEFA insisted that the dark blue away shorts were in conflict with Bilbao almost entirely black shorts and socks.
Regulation and Colour Clash
According to UEFA kit rules, each team must maintain clear contrast in every piece of their playing strip. This is to go against any kind of confusion for the match officials, broadcasters, and supporters. Arsenal had planned to wear navy shorts to complete their new away kit. But with Bilbao’s predilection for black, the decision-makers intervened to prevent a clash in front of glare lights at San Mamés.
The Switch to White Shorts
The answer was in itself quite simple: white shorts instead of blue. The unusual substitution thus created an improvised look that was entirely against the design concept of the kit but one necessary for UEFA regulations. The combination led some fans to call it a “hybrid kit,” resulting in mixed receptions online.
Players Unfazed by the Change
Just before kick-off, an unusual disparity had serendipitously realized by change in the kit display. Nonetheless, during the match players looked keen, unaffected by kit-contrasting change. Mikel Arteta‘s team rather comfortably adapted to the situation. They even gained a much-needed victory 2-0 courtesy of goals by substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. With this win, the matter of the kit became a mere topic of conversation and ceased to be a problem.
Fans’ Reactions
Many Arsenal fans commented on the unusual contrast from social media. Some found humor in the contrasting shades, while others felt it evoked memories of older away kits. The whole reasoning behind it pointed to another instance of the scrupulous enforcement of kit clarity by UEFA on the European stage.
