Kit confusion disrupts Newcastle United friendly against Bayer Leverkusen
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Newcastle United defender Sven Botman (right) tackling Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane before Newcastle changed their kit.
PHOTO: AFP
- Newcastle United changed their shirts during the first half of a friendly against Bayer Leverkusen due to a colour clash.
- The home team switched from their black and white kit to a lilac third strip at the first hydration break.
- Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle said the change helped distinguish teams, but Leverkusen won the match 2-1.
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NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom - Newcastle were forced into a change of shirts during the first half of their pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen at St James’ Park on Aug 15.
The English Premier League side walked out in their traditional black and white home kit, which has a blue trim, but decided to switch during the first hydration break.
This was because of an apparent colour clash with Bayer Leverkusen’s away kit – mint with a blue pattern – with Newcastle players putting on their lilac third strip instead.
“I was a bit surprised when they (Leverkusen) came out for kick-off,” Newcastle manager Matthias 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 beak to change it.
“Probably from the stands, from your perspective, it was not easy to distinguish between the two teams.”
The German side went on to win the game 2-1. AFP
Newcastle United midfielder Lewis Hall (left) and defender Sven Botman talking after a complete team kit-change during a hydration break in their pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen at St James' Park on Aug 15.
PHOTO: AFP