Wales’ semi-final against Portugal was never going to struggle for viewing figures.
As we’re all aware, it was a momentous occasion for Welsh football – coming in their first major tournament in over 50 years. Unfortunately for the Welsh, they came up short, losing 2-0 with Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani getting the goals.
But during the opening minutes of the game, the major talking point was an unexpected one. With much of the pre-match talk concentrating on Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, the main topic of conversation during the early stages in Lyon was centred around why both teams were wearing their away kits.
Although the game is on neutral ground, Portugal are the designated home team in the match. As a result, many expected them to be wearing their red home shirts as a result.
But that wasn’t the case and viewers were left in a confused/unhappy state.
Umm random thought but why are both teams in away kits? Shouldn't one be wearing red? #WALPOR pic.twitter.com/cy4BwmkCMQ
— Lexie Rodriguez (@Lexie_Rodriguez) July 6, 2016
Why do both teams play in their away kit?
— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) July 6, 2016
Two away kits. Why?
— Jack Lang (@jacklang) July 6, 2016
Quite a few empty seats dotted around the stadium, solid red wall of #wal fans in corner though. Trying to fathom why both teams away strips
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) July 6, 2016
One theory that was put forward as an explanation for the double away kit showing was that the referee and his officials was wearing a red kit for the match.
As much as we’d love to imagine the referee insisted on both sides wearing their away shirts just to accommodate his choice of outfit, this wasn’t the case.
UEFA rules stipulate that although Portugal are deemed as the home team, their first strip is too close in darkness to the dark grey/lime green strip that Wales are wearing. Apparently, this would’ve been a colour-clash.
