Why Arsenal are wearing their away kit against Tottenham as 38-year streak ends after Premier League ruling

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image

Arsenal are making the short 4-mile trip across north London to face Tottenham but will feel further away from home than ever.

The Gunners have been banned from wearing their traditional red kit for the first time in 38 years following an unprecedented decision.

In fact, it's been over a decade since either side has been forced to don any jersey that has not been their home offering in the derby.

During Arsenal's 5-2 win over Tottenham in November 2012, Spurs were decked out in that season's black-and-grey third strip.

Ange Postecoglou's men will now be back in different colours on their next trip to the Emirates Stadium in January.

Why Arsenal are wearing their away kit?

The Gunners have been forced to ditch their red-and-white home shirt as it was deemed to clash with Tottenham.

The Premier League and referee body PGMOL instructed Arsenal that their 2024/25 home kit includes too much white - which is the traditional colours of Spurs.

The Premier League’s rule M.22 states that clubs 'shall wear a strip that differs visibly from and contrasts with one another'.

Arsenal's home strip has predominantly white sleeves, with the back and side of the shirt also blending into white shorts, while the club crest, Adidas logo and main sponsor are all in the same colour as well.

Mikel Arteta's side tried to compromise by offering to wear red shorts and socks, but their request was rejected.

"The PGMOL and Premier League ruled that our 2024-25 home kit features too much white, thus clashing with Tottenham’s traditional colours, even with the option of red shorts and socks for us, which was also discussed," said Arsenal.

"As a result, for the first time in recent 'NLD' history, we'll be wearing our change colours."

The statement continued: "Our Adidas away strip for this season has already got off to a winning start when we wore it for the first time in competitive action against Aston Villa last month.

"It has been designed to celebrate the rich and well-established connection that our club has to the African diaspora in North London and beyond.

"Designed in collaboration with Adidas and distinguished British African heritage brand, Labrum London, it celebrates our players and supporters of African heritage, who are an instrumental part of our club."

Arsenal's last time wearing their away shirt in the derby was during the 1985/86 season when the club's yellow kit served up a 1-0 defeat.

Tottenham vs Arsenal: Date and how to follow

This Premier League clash will take place on Sunday, September 15.

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is scheduled for 2pm.

The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

talkSPORT will also have the goals as they go in on the Sunday Session with Sam Matterface.

Source