What happens when two teams turn up in kits that are too similar? Newcastle forced into bizarre change
Newcastle United were forced into an unusual kit change during their pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen after the two sides’ shirts proved difficult to distinguish. The Magpies began the match in their traditional black-and-white home strip but abandoned it during the first hydration break, with the entire starting XI switching into the club’s lilac third kit.
Newcastle change shirts after colour clash
Newcastle started Saturday’s friendly at St James’ Park in their familiar black-and-white shirts with blue trim, while Leverkusen wore a mint-coloured away kit featuring a blue pattern.The similarity between the colours quickly became apparent, with Newcastle deciding to make the change around 25 minutes into the first half.All 11 Newcastle starters layers including Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Sven Botman were among those who switched into the lilac third strip, with the change made during the scheduled hydration break rather than requiring a separate stoppage.Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle admitted that he had been surprised by Leverkusen’s kit when the German side arrived for kick-off, but said the decision to change was ultimately the sensible one.“I was a bit surprised when they came out for kick-off,” Jaissle told the BBC.“[The change] was done because [the shirt colour] was so close to each other so it was smart to use the first hydration break to change it.“Probably from the stands, from your perspective, it was not easy to distinguish between the two teams.”The change appeared to help Newcastle settle, with the Magpies finding an equaliser shortly afterwards.
Leverkusen still leave with the win
Newcastle had fallen behind inside the opening minute, when Ibrahim Maza scored against goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, the club’s reported £25.7 million summer signing.After Newcastle changed into the third kit, Malick Thiaw restored parity.The German side ultimately had the final say, however, as Victor Boniface scored a late winner to secure a 2-1 victory for Leverkusen.The result leaves Newcastle with one final pre-season fixture to come, with Strasbourg due to visit St James’ Park on Sunday.The Magpies will then turn their attention to the new Premier League campaign, which begins on August 23 against Liverpool.
