Liverpool vs. Manchester United is a fixture that holds immense significance in English football. The clash between these fierce rivals encompasses the historical success and unwavering support of the two most prestigious teams in England. However, this highly anticipated game has shed light on a problem that often goes unnoticed: colour vision deficiency. In January 2021, when the two clubs played a 0-0 draw at Anfield, the focus shifted from the game itself to the complaints flooding social media platforms. Man United’s dark green away kit, worn due to a clash with Liverpool’s traditional red colours, rendered the match unwatchable for many individuals. Surprisingly, 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women were unable to distinguish between the two teams on the pitch. This outcry prompted Colour Blind Awareness, a UK-based organization, to receive hundreds of complaints about the game. This incident emphasizes the need for greater awareness and action regarding the impact of colour vision deficiency in football.
In a significant triumph for those advocating for increased awareness of colour blindness, Manchester United made a change in their kit selection for the game against Liverpool. Instead of their green away kit, which had caused issues previously, United opted for their white third kit. A United source emphasized that the decision was made due to the valid concerns surrounding colour contrast issues for individuals affected by colour vision deficiency. This small but meaningful step showcases the recognition of a problem that affects a considerable number of people.
Following the Liverpool-United game in 2021, the Premier League took action by releasing a nine-page document addressing kit selection guidance for clubs specifically concerning colour blindness. The updated version this season urges clubs to consider colour blind players when deciding on their kits. The document highlights the most problematic colour clashes, including red against green, red against black, and green against orange. Furthermore, in collaboration with PGMOL, the match officials’ organization, the Premier League developed an online software tool with a “colour blind-friendly flag” to assess the risk of potential kit-related issues. If a possible clash is identified, clubs are notified and encouraged to find alternative options. Despite these measures, colour issues have continued to arise in the Premier League this season, indicating that there is still work to be done. The clashes between Luton and Tottenham, Manchester City and Tottenham, and Arsenal and Manchester United have shown that the problem persists. While progress has been made, such as the recent kit selection for the Liverpool vs. Manchester United match, there is a long way to go to fully address the issue.
The impact of colour vision deficiency extends beyond football. Other sports have also recognized the importance of addressing this issue. In 2015, the NFL pledged to improve awareness among colour blind fans following complaints related to a game between the Buffalo Bills (red) and the New York Jets (green). World Rugby has introduced regulations on kit clashes, which will become mandatory in 2025, allowing kit designers sufficient time to conform to the new guidelines. The involvement of Tackling Colour Blindness in Sport (TACBIS), a European Union-funded research project in 2022, revealed that 6% of elite-level footballers suffer from colour vision deficiency. Furthermore, the research highlighted the inadequate diagnosis of colour blindness among young players aspiring to become professionals, leading to a high failure rate. This not only poses challenges for individual players but also represents wasted time, financial investment, and negative implications for their careers and mental health.
The experience of players with colour blindness raises significant concerns. While few players have publicly acknowledged their condition, Denmark international Thomas Delaney admitted to struggling with differentiating players during a pre-World Cup friendly against Mexico. Denmark wore red, while Mexico played in green. The TACBIS study revealed that 25% of colour blind players fail to make it to the elite level, resulting in wasted time and financial investment for academies. Additionally, players have expressed the fear of speaking out about their challenges due to potential embarrassment or detrimental impacts on contract negotiations. The difficulties caused by challenging combinations of kits and incorrect use of equipment can significantly affect training and match day performance. These barriers can be easily addressed, highlighting the need for greater attention from clubs and football associations.
It is disconcerting that clubs invest substantial resources in analyzing various aspects of their players’ performance but often neglect the impact of kit colours on their abilities to differentiate between teammates and opponents. A brief moment of hesitation due to uncertainty regarding a player’s position in one’s peripheral vision can lead to missed opportunities for the entire team. Moreover, fans paying to watch their teams on television should not have their viewing experience compromised solely due to kit selection. Therefore, it is crucial for clubs to prioritize the consideration of colour blind players and ensure that their kits are easily distinguishable.
Manchester United’s decision to wear their white kit at Anfield signifies progress in addressing the issue of colour vision deficiency in football. Recognizing and accommodating the needs of individuals with colour blindness benefits both players and fans alike. While this change is commendable, it serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done. Increased awareness, improved guidelines, and the development of colour blind-friendly kits are essential steps towards creating an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all individuals involved in the game.
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