Liverpool vs. Manchester United is a highly anticipated fixture in English football. It is a clash between two of the Premier League’s fiercest rivals and historically most successful teams. However, this match has brought to light a problem that many people are unaware of: colour vision deficiency, commonly known as colour blindness. In January 2021, during a Premier League draw between the two clubs, viewers flooded social media with complaints about Manchester United’s dark green away kit. The issue arose because the red home shirt of Liverpool clashed with the green kit of Manchester United. Surprisingly, 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women were unable to distinguish between the two teams on the pitch. This sparked an outcry and highlighted the need for greater awareness and consideration of colour blindness in football.
Man United’s Decision to Address the Issue
Following the backlash from the Liverpool-United game, Manchester United made a significant choice to wear their white third kit at Anfield. This decision was made to avoid any further colour clashes and to address the valid concerns of affected viewers. Man United recognized the importance of considering colour contrast issues and understood that the problem needed to be addressed. This gesture was seen as a small but important victory for those advocating for greater awareness of colour blindness in football.
Efforts by the Premier League
Since the Liverpool-United game in 2021, the Premier League has taken steps to address the issue of colour blindness. They have issued a nine-page document providing guidance to clubs on kit selection, specifically focusing on the problem of colour blindness. This season, an updated version of the document advised clubs to be mindful of colour blind players when choosing kits. The Premier League also collaborated with PGMOL, the match officials’ organization, to develop an online software tool that assesses the risk of potential kit clashes. If a potential clash is identified, clubs are alerted and encouraged to find alternative options. However, despite these efforts, there have been several colour clashes in the Premier League this season, indicating that there is still a long way to go in addressing the issue.
Colour blindness is not limited to football; it affects other sports as well. In 2015, the NFL pledged to improve awareness of colour blind fans after receiving numerous complaints regarding a game between the Buffalo Bills (red) and the New York Jets (green). World Rugby has also introduced regulations on kit clashes, which will become mandatory in 2025. These regulations were developed to ensure that players can differentiate between shirts quickly in their peripheral vision. The fact that other sports are taking steps to address the issue highlights the significance of considering colour blindness in football.
The Impact on Players and Young Aspiring Professionals
Colour blindness can have a significant impact on players, both professionally and personally. A 2022 research project called Tackling Colour Blindness in Sport (TACBIS) found that 6% of elite-level footballers suffer from colour blindness. This condition can affect their ability to differentiate between teammates and opponents, leading to potential mistakes on the field. Moreover, the study revealed that approximately 25% of colour blind players do not make it to the elite level of the sport. This represents wasted time, financial investment, and negative career and mental health implications for these players. Many young aspiring professionals with undiagnosed colour blindness struggle to progress in the game, unaware of the impact it has on their performance. It is essential for clubs to recognize and address these challenges to support their players and avoid disadvantages caused by colour blind kit clashes.
Clubs invest significant resources in their players’ development and performance. However, they often overlook a fundamental aspect: the impact of kit colours on the ability of players and coaching staff to distinguish between teammates and opponents. If players have difficulty discerning between kits, it can lead to missed opportunities and hinder the team’s overall performance. Additionally, kit clashes can negatively affect the viewing experience for fans, especially those watching matches on television. The Premier League and clubs need to prioritize kit selection and ensure that all players, regardless of colour blindness, can easily differentiate between kits.
Manchester United’s decision to wear their white third kit at Anfield is a step in the right direction. It demonstrates a growing awareness and consideration for the issue of colour blindness in football. However, there is still much work to be done. The Premier League’s efforts, while commendable, have not eradicated the problem entirely. Colour clashes continue to occur, affecting both players and viewers. It is crucial for clubs to embrace the responsibility of choosing kits that minimize the risk of colour blind clashes. By doing so, they can ensure a fair and optimal playing environment for all players and enhance the viewing experience for fans.