Why Arsenal have been barred from wearing traditional kit in north London derby

Arsenal will be wearing their changed black strip in the north London derby this weekend after a ruling from PGMOL and the Premier League.

GIven that the Gunners play in red and Tottenham in white shirts, the two teams usually wear their home kits when they face each other in the local derby.

However, this season Arsenal’s red home kit has too much white on it, according to Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the Premier League, which means they will have to way their changed strip on Sunday at Spurs.

When Spurs go to the Emirates in January they will wear their away strip as well, thanks to the ruling from the powers-that-be.

Arsenal have already played and won in their black kit this season, picking up a 2-0 victory at Aston Villa in August.

On the release of the attractive kit, with red, green and white trim, the club said: ‘It has been designed to celebrate the rich and well-established connection that our club has to the African diaspora in North London and beyond.

‘Designed in collaboration with adidas and distinguished British African heritage brand, Labrum London, it celebrates our players and supporters of African heritage, who are an instrumental part of our club.’

Arsenal go to Tottenham with seven points from their first three games, drawing with Brighton on their last outing.

Spurs have picked up four points so far after defeat to Newcastle last time out.

Mikel Arteta’s side have had the better of the recent fixtures against their fierce rivals, with five wins and a draw in their last seven meetings.

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