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    Non-league team forced to play in opponents’ kit after leaving their own shirts in a different country

    NON-LEAGUE Merthyr Town were forced to play in their opponents kit after leaving theirs in another country.The Welsh-based club travelled to Winchester City in the Southern League Premier Division South on Tuesday night.Winchester City leant their away kit to Merthyr Town on Tuesday nightCredit: XHowever, the fixture was thrown into doubt after the visitors turned up without their kit.Winchester confirmed on social media that Merthyr had left their strip in Wales.Fortunately, though, they had their own away kit on hand for the Martyrs to play in.The hosts wrote on X: “Kit Update. Merthyr Town will play in our blue and black away kit, as they have accidentally left their kit in Wales.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMerthyr’s night got worse once the match got underway as Winchester ran out 2-0 winners.They were also reduced to 10 men in stoppage time after defender Liam Angel was sent off.The result has dented Merthyr’s play-off hopes in the seventh tier.Despite losing though, they remain fifth and in line to extend their season on goal difference with two matches remaining.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe club are chasing promotion to the sixth tier for the first time since reforming in 2010.Meanwhile, Winchester are 11th with a game in hand following their victory.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiThe Citizens cannot make the play-offs, though, with 10 points separating them from their Tuesday night opponents. More

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    Arsenal 2024/25 home kit ‘leaked’ with NO club crest in controversial move – but fans like replacement detail

    ARSENAL’S new home kit for the 2024/25 season has been leaked.The shirt does not include the club crest in a controversial move, but fans are loving the replacement detail.Arsenal’s leaked 2024/25 home kit sees the club crest replaced by a cannon badgeCredit: XSupporters have reacted to the leaked home jersey on social media after an image appeared online.Snapped hanging from a window, the shirt is the club’s traditional red with white sleeves.It also features the blue Adidas three stripes on the arms as well as the manufacturers logo and sponsors Emirates on the front.However, it is the new look badge which has caught the eye of fans.READ MORE ON ARSENALInstead of the club crest, the shirt features a white cannon badge in the same style as the gold cannon on the Gunners crest.Despite the change, fans have been loving the detail on social media, with one commenting: “Love the cannon.”Another added: “This kit looks quite good, the cannon on the chest adds to the appeal.”A third fan also wrote: “The cannon badge adds a touch of class.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSForget Odegaard and Rice… this Arsenal star could be Player of the Year, says Andy DillonBy Andy Dillon
    MARTIN ODEGAARD and Declan Rice will rightly be in the shake down for the Footballer of the Year award.
    But their Arsenal team-mate Gabriel also deserves recognition should the Gunners go on to win the Premier League title.
    The Brazilian has been a monster at the back alongside William Saliba.
    They are the heart of the meanest defence — conceding just 24 goals in the league this season.
    He has also scored four, the joint-highest for a defender in the top flight along with Spurs’ Cristian Romero.
    If boss Mikel Arteta ends Arsenal’s 20-year wait for the title then Gabriel will have been as important a cog in the machine as anyone at the Emirates.
    Considering he was struggling for game time and appeared a lost soul last summer, it’s some turnaround.
    Click here to ready Andy’s column in full.
    Or to read more from Andy Dillon, click here

    Meanwhile, one more said: “Nice going back to old school.”Arsenal’s shirts previously featured the cannon alongside the club’s initials between the 1960s and 1990s.Fans left baffled as Sky Sports ‘leak’ Arsenal and Liverpool results from the future in major live TV blunderThis season’s green and blue third shirt also sees the club crest replaced by the cannon.A leaked third strip for next season back in March also included the retro-style logo.The 2024/25 campaign will be the sixth season of Arsenal’s partnership with Adidas.Their kits will continue to be produced by the German manufacturer until 2030 following an extension to the deal two years ago. More

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    Man Utd won’t wear controversial shirt again this season after giving kit away to fans following dismal Brentford draw

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans will be happy to hear the Red Devils will not wear their green and white stripe away kit again this season.The controversial shirt was spotted being handed out by players to fans after United’s dismal 1-1 draw against Brentford on Saturday.Manchester United will not wear their away kit again this seasonCredit: AlamyUnited players handed their shirt to away fans after their 1-1 draw to BrentfordCredit: RexThe idea came from Bruno Fernandes who insisted his squad show their appreciation to the loyal fans who travelled to the 8pm kick-off in West London with no trains back to Manchester afterwards.A group of young fans outside the players’ entrance were aso gifted a shirt each for helping staff load a skip full of dirty kit into the back of a van.Despite having nine games left of the season United will not wear the kit again, according to the Daily Mail, as there is not an away fixture where Erik ten Hag’s squad will have a kit clash.Their away games against Chelsea, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Brighton are all expected to see them where their traditional red.READ MORE IN MAN UTDRewinding to the start of the season supporters were less than impressed with the Adidas jersey.With one fan calling it “atrocious” and a very angry supporter claiming they would “never take it for free” and that it was the “worst kit ever”.And while some fans despised the away outfit this term there were plenty who loved it.United finished second behind Real Madrid in a survey by Casino Encyclopedia of the most popular kits in world football last year. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd the Red Devils are said to have earned £213million in shirt sales, but still some way behind Madrid who made £391m from sales of three million jerseys.Barcelona were third in the poll based on sales and internet searches, followed by Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, AC Milan, Chelsea, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleMarcus Rashford was the most popular name on the back of United shirts, while Jude Bellingham topped the list at Madrid. However, Cristiano Ronaldo was the all-time No.1 at both his old clubs as well as Juventus.Man Utd’s remaining fixtures

    4 April Chelsea (A)
    7 April Liverpool (H)
    13 April Bournemouth (A)
    TBC Newcastle (H)
    21 April Coventry (FA Cup Semi Final at Wembley)
    24 April Burnley (H)
    4 May Crystal Palace (A)
    11 May Arsenal (H)
    19 May Brighton (A) More

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    Chelsea 2024/25 away kit ‘leaked’ with fans furious at ‘England shirt with 5 minutes worth of design tweaks’

    CHELSEA fans are furious after seeing the Blues 2024/25 away kit “leaked” with some calling it an “England shirt with design tweaks.”Nike has already been slashed over their controversial England shirt design but now they have Chelsea fans on their case too.Chelsea’s away kit for the 2024/25 season has been ‘leaked’ and fans are furiousCredit: FOOTYHEADLINESSupporters have compared the shirt to England’s new home kitCredit: gettyOver the years the west London outfit has showcased a variety of jerseys but some have been more popular than others.There have been some quite outrageous shirts on show at Stamford Bridge – one of which being the 1994/95 away jersey, as famously worn by Ruud Gullit. Now, a leaked image of the 2024/25 away kit has fans fuming.Footy Headlines unveiled the new fit on X which features a white shirt with royal blue on the collar and sleeves, along with a red strip. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe classic Chelsea logo is in blue and red, with a blue Nike tick outlined in red.And a few eagle-eyed fans questioned the difference between the Chelsea kit and the England home kit.One supporter said: “Is there a difference between this and the England home kit?”A second then added: “England shirt with 5 minutes worth of design tweaks.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhile another fan even went on to describe the strip as “hideous”.It seems the club are ditching the dark colour scheme as their current away shirt is “pitch blue and soar shades”.Chelsea fans turn on Mauricio Pochettino – but Blues boss uses prop in press conference to defend himselfLast term’s away jersey was white, then yellow in 2021/22; light blue in 2020/21, and white, with a collar, in 2019/20. Fans will now eagerly await the reveal of the club’s third strips, goalkeeper tops, training gear, and matchday attire to see what surprises Chelsea have in store for the upcoming season.Meanwhile, England’s football team has been making headlines recently for a new kit that has been dividing fans with its rebranding of the St George’s flag.Tory PM Rishi Sunak slammed the new kit, while opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer joined calls for Nike to scrap it entirely.Ruud Gullit wears one of Chelsea more eye-catching away kitsCredit: Reuters More

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    Arsenal’s 24/25 third kit leaked with brand new badge AND adidas logo – but fans think it has nod to major rivals

    ARSENAL’S alleged third kit for the 2024-25 season has been leaked – and it has generated a mixed response from fans.The new, light blue and purple strip features a twist on the club’s iconic badge.Arsenal’s new third kit has allegedly been leakedCredit: X / @AFCstuffSome fans believe it looks like Man City’s home kitCredit: X / @AFCstuffIt also includes the Adidas Originals logo as opposed to the standard Adidas sportswear branding.Many Arsenal fans have fallen in love with the unique kit, with one person taking to X to write: “Certified purchase.”Another commented: “I’m definitely getting this. This looks so smooth 🔥.”A third wrote: “They are winning the EPL with this jersey.”Read More on ArsenalWhile a fourth added: “A thing of beauty.”However, some Arsenal supporters are convinced that it emulates Manchester City’s home kit.One fan commented: “Looking a bit much like a Man City kit to me. I’m good. NO thanks.”Another wrote: “Trying so hard to be City.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile a third demanded: “Get these grad Man City colours away from my club.”Arsenal are currently embroiled in a title race with Pep Guardiola’s side and Liverpool.What happened to Highbury?The Gunners fell short of the Premier League title last season with just a few games left to play.However, Mikel Arteta hopes his team can go all the way this time around.Last month, the Spaniard said: “We are there, that’s for sure.”We want to continue to be there. We’ve been really ­consistent all season, if not you aren’t where we are today.”We take it game by game and the availability of the squad is going to be crucial, we have learned that from last season. Let’s try to make that happen.”Five eye-catching Arsenal stripsThird kit 2018-19This one resembles Arsenal’s ‘leaked’ 2024-25 third shirt colour-wise.Fans didn’t seem to like the style or colour at the time, with some claiming it would only suit a goalkeeper.That kit was made by Puma, but Adidas appear to have given the new one a completely unique design.Arsenal’s 2018-19 third kit was also bright blueCredit: Getty – ContributorThird kit 2015-16This one also failed to be a people pleaser.Another Puma kit, but this time it was black with gold detailing and a strange combination of coloured stripes.Some people loved it, some hated it.Arsenal’s 2015-16 third kit generated a mixed response from fansCredit: Getty Images – GettyThird kit 2021-22This one drew inspiration from Arsenal’s 1995-96 away kit with its striking blue pattern.The red detailing also gives a nod to the club’s home shirt.Many fans loved this one, especially given its historical meaning.Arsenal’s 2021-22 third kit was loved by fansCredit: ReutersThird kit 2022-23For many Arsenal fans, this was the one that got away.You could count on one hand the amount of times it was worn by the men’s team last season.But many supporters fell in love with the unique pink design and blue detailing.Arsenal barely wore last season’s third kitCredit: GettyAway kit 2023-24It’s safe to say that many Arsenal fans were livid when the first pictures of this kit were released.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne person even urged the club to “get a refund” from Adidas.However, it has grown on many considering Arsenal’s impressive form this season.Fans were fuming when Arsenal unveiled their 2023-24 away kitCredit: PA More

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    England new kit 2024: Shirt release date, price and St George’s cross saga

    ENGLAND’S football team has been making headlines recently for a new kit that has been dividing fans.Tory PM Rishi Sunak slammed the new kit, while opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer joined calls for Nike to scrap it entirely. But what is all the fuss about?England captain Harry Kane wearing the new home match day shirtCredit: X/ EnglandNoni Madueke and Jaden Philogene wearing their new kit in the England U21 game against Azerbaijan on March 22Credit: GettySome of England’s footballing legends modelling the new kitCredit: X/ EnglandWhen will England’s Euro 2024 kit be available to buy?As England’s football team gears up for glory at the Euros, the kit they will be wearing on the battlefield has finally been unveiled.Taking to social media to post a picture of the kits, the England account said: “Our England. Our pride. Our family. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿”The men’s collection, which Gareth Southgate’s players will wear at this summer’s Euros, will be released on March 21, while the women’s kits will go on sale in June.England’s men’s team are expected to debut the home kit when they take on Brazil in a friendly on Saturday, before they host Belgium three days later.read more england footballThe Lionesses’ next game is a Euro 2025 qualifier against Sweden at Wembley on April 5.Some fans have been thrilled with the news, hailing the design as an instant classic that is sure to bring football home this year.While others have determined that the new kit is “too woke” and “too expensive”.How much is England’s Euro 2024 kit?Both the men’s and women’s match shirts are retailing at £124.99, while the children’s match top is retailing at a slightly lower £119.Most read in FootballIf fans want something a little cheaper they can opt for the stadium top, which has been priced at £84.99, while the kid’s jersey is £64.99.Kids can also don the full kit for £54.99, while infant kits are currently being priced at £49.England’s Best and Worst KitsIn an exclusive interview with The Sun, Labour’s Keir Starmer blasted the prices, saying that they need to be reduced.He said: “I’m not even sure they can properly explain why they thought they needed to change in the first place.”They could also reduce the price of the shirts.”Why did Nike change the England flag?Fans were quick to notice that the traditional red cross on the Three Lions’ kit has been altered to one with navy, light blue and purple.It is thought to be a nod to the 1966 World Cup winners’ training kit.The change led to some labelling the shirt “woke” as they called on the manufacturer to revert back to the usual colours. Goalkeepers David Seaman and Peter Shilton, as well as former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp have all given the shirt substitution a red card.But according to The Mail, Nike will not succumb to pressure from some England fans.A Nike spokesperson said: “The England 2024 Home kit disrupts history with a modern take on a classic.”The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple.”The same colours also feature an interpretation of the flag of St. George on the back of the collar.”It is understood the flag alteration was the work of a Nike designer, but was also signed off by the FA.And the FA insist the decision was made to “honour the classic colour regime of 1966 training gear”.Sir Keir told The Sun that the “flag is used by everybody, it is a unifier, it doesn’t need to be changed”.He said: “We just need to be proud of it. So I think they should just reconsider this and change it back.”There has been some controversy over the changed St George’s flagCredit: PAStarmer slammed the FA and Nike for changing the national kitCredit: Darren FletcherWhich kit will the England team wear?The home kit is the classic white with a blue collar and blue shorts.The second strip is all purple and has received widespread praise from fans.Meanwhile, the keepers will be donning an eye-catching orange jersey.Although some fans have been left baffled by the away kit – arguing that it’s the new “blue and black dress” optical illusion.Why is England’s Euro 2024 kit purple?According to a statement from the England football team, the new match gear has been inspired by old footballing legends.The team said that “the bold purple colour remixes reds and blues from the past.”So, it seems as though the team has decided to mix kits from the past, which have traditionally been either blue or red, to bring the team into the future.Many fans were thrilled with the look of the strips.One said: “So that’s what Kane will look like when he lifts the Euros trophy this summer.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile a second responded: “Omg we’re actually winning it all.”And a third said: “Honestly some of our greatest kits ever.”Who will be wearing the new kit at the Euros?Although the official line-up won’t be announced until May 21, here are some of the legends we expect to see at the Euros:
    The new away kit has combined England’s previous away coloursCredit: https://www.instagram.com/officialfootballfashion/p/C4s5FMHsU1J/?img_index=10Bukayo Saka models the new away kitCredit: X/ EnglandFans can expect to see Harry Maguire donning the new kit at the EurosCredit: Instagram / @england More

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    England fans convinced away kit is new ‘blue and black dress’ optical illusion as they can’t decide what colour it is

    ENGLAND’S new away kit has reminded some fans of the infamous “blue and black dress” optical illusion of 2015.Nine years ago social media was left truly divided by a picture of a dress.Bukayo Saka models England’s new away kitCredit: https://twitter.com/EnglandThis blue and black dress divided social media in 2015Millions debated its colour online, with many arguing that it was white and gold… even though in actual fact it was blue and black.The Three Lions’ new away kit has seen them stray away from their usual changed colours of red or blue.In fact, England chiefs officially describe it as combining the two to create an “eye-catching purple”.Seeing the strip, one fan wrote on social media: “This new England away kit is gonna be the football equivalent of that ‘what colour is the dress?’ photo from a few years back!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe kit has generally gone down well with fans.One called it: “A thing of beauty.”While a second gushed: “Phwoar.”A third wrote: “It’s 100 per cent gonna bang at festivals across the country this summer.”Most read in FootballAnd another added: “Take my money!”England’s four matches prior to Euro 2024 are all set to take place on home soil.I’m a Premier League champion who snubbed an England call-up – I was an idiot and it’s my biggest regretGareth Southgate’s side host Brazil on Saturday and Belgium next Tuesday, with both matches taking place at Wembley.In June they will welcome Bosnia & Herzegovina to St James’ Park, before returning to the national stadium to face Iceland.The Three Lions will then kick off their Euro 2024 campaign by playing Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on June 16. More

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    Nigeria unveil new ‘fire’ kit with rarely-seen missing detail – but some fans think it’s an ’embarrassment’

    FOOTBALL fans have heaped praise on Nigeria’s new kit… even though it is missing one key detail.The Super Eagles’ classic black and green colours will remain one of their strips – with supporters going crazy for the latest iteration.Nigeria have brought out two impressive new kitsCredit: Twitter / ESPNAfricaTheir new white strip is missing a key detailCredit: Twitter / ESPNAfricaBut in a break from convention, the other kit is white with green trim.It is the first time in three years that Nigeria will pull on a shirt with white as the main colour.And even more surprising is the fact that there is no badge on the jersey.Yet despite this unique detail missing from the shirt, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan said: “This is lovely 😍.”Another added: “The white fire 🔥.”A third replied: “Lovely kits, hope we will win some silverware with it.”While a fourth responded: “Wow… what a beautiful design.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a fifth said: “This jersey is the best in the world 🌎.”Nigeria could debut either of their new kits when they face Ghana on Friday.Chelsea legend Didier Drogba joins wild celebrations as Ivory Coast win Afcon beating Nigeria 2-1 in the finalThey then take on Mali on Tuesday in their first two international matches since the Africa Cup of Nations.Nigeria were beaten 2-1 by Ivory Coast in the Afcon final last month as their 11-year wait for a fourth title goes on.Nigeria boast a healthy reputation for releasing superb kitsCredit: Twitter / ESPNAfricaFans are loving the new designsCredit: Twitter / ESPNAfrica More