A little-known football rule, enforced by Premier League outfit Chelsea, insists that clubs that make the trip to Stamford Bridge – irrespective of whether it’s in the English top-flight or on the European stage – are banned from wearing white socks.
Every team visiting the west London-based ground are required to adjust their usual colours (if they typically wear white socks) and switch to a different shade, which occasionally proves frustrating for the away side. ..Continue Reading
In the past, Spanish giants Real Madrid have worn both black and blue socks from their second and third strips in order to comply with the Blues’ unusual regulations.
Los Blancos are known for their all-white look from top to bottom and have only worn black socks once: during the 1955-56 season.
A rule introduced during the 1964-65 season, when midfielder-turned-manager Tommy Docherty was still in charge, saw the Scot overhaul Chelsea’s appearance from traditional black or blue socks to strictly white socks only.
As a result, the distinctive colour scheme helped fans inside the 40,341-seater Stamford Bridge, which is among the best stadiums in England’s primary division, to distinguish between the teams – while also establishing a unique and memorable identity. In fact, no other sides in the country used that specific combination at the time.
Following the change, supporters quickly warmed to the club’s updated look.
The bold move proved popular among the fanbase – even if rival teams weren’t thrilled – as it marked the beginning of a new tradition.
According to NSS Sports, the rule also ties into broadcasting regulations.
There isn’t a football competition on the planet that allows two teams to wear the same colour in any part of the outfield players’ kits – from the socks to the shorts to the shirts.
That ensures viewers, watching from home, can easily tell the teams apart.
Such a requirement has led kit manufacturers to produce kits in monochrome.
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