Sunderland to wear blue for Tyne-Wear derby as Premier League rule bars striped clash | OneFootball

Sunderland will wear blue for today’s Tyne-Wear derby at Newcastle, with Premier League regulations requiring a clear kit contrast.

According to Sunderland Echo, Rule M.22 in the league handbook says both sides must use strips that are visibly different to prevent confusion for players, officials, supporters and broadcasters. With Newcastle in black and white, Sunderland have switched to their blue change kit.

Newcastle have at times worn their home stripes in this fixture, most recently in last season’s FA Cup tie at the Stadium of Light. However, under current guidance the two striped designs are viewed as too similar to be used together, including for those with colour vision deficiency.

Asked about injuries on Friday, Le Bris said late assessments were planned and confirmed Jocelin Ta Bi, Nilson Angulo, Bertrand Traore and Romain Mundle will miss the game.

He added others would be checked after working behind the scenes for the fixture, stressing decisions could be purely medical and that no unnecessary risks would be taken. He noted seven matches remain after this one, with the international break to help manage any final rehabilitation if required.

On Ballard, Le Bris said there had been hamstring discomfort and that they would see how he responds.

Source: Sunderland Echo