Premier League rule means Sunderland wear blue against Newcastle in today’s Tyne-Wear derby | OneFootball

Sunderland will wear their blue kit in today’s Tyne-Wear derby at Newcastle, a switch required because both clubs’ striped home colours clash under Premier League regulations.

According to Sunderland Echo, the league’s handbook, via Rule M.22, stipulates that teams must use strips that are clearly different and contrasting so officials, players, spectators and television audiences, including those with colour vision deficiency, can distinguish the sides.

Newcastle have at times used their black and white home strip in this fixture, most recently in last season’s FA Cup tie at the Stadium of Light, but current guidance deems two striped kits too similar to be worn together.

With Newcastle set to play in black and white, the away side must change, so the Black Cats will wear blue to ensure a clear visual distinction across the pitch and on broadcasts.

Rule M.22 also sets the process for deciding which kits away clubs may use, requiring an alternative that avoids any risk of confusion.

Source: Sunderland Echo