Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Sun 26 April 2026 12:00, UK

West Bromwich Albion’s goalless draw against Ipswich Town saw the Baggies move mathematically safe from relegation, but there was one other issue in the game.

As the game kicked off at The Hawthorns, it became quickly evident that there was a kit clash on the pitch.

However, not between the two teams. With Ipswich wearing their red away strip and the Baggies in their navy-and-white striped shirt, there were few ways to get either mixed up.

But the West Brom goalkeeper kit presented an entirely new issue, with the yellow jersey clashing against the referee’s yellow uniform.

Now, former PGMOL and FIFA official Keith Hackett has given his reaction to the clash in West Brom’s 0-0 draw against Ipswich.

What has Keith Hackett said about the kit clash in West Brom vs Ipswich?

The innocuous kit clash at The Hawthorns has caught the attention of Hackett, who believes the referee should have fixed the issue before a ball was kicked.

However, on this occasion it appears official Matthew Donohue failed to recognise the problem.

Speaking after the game, Hackett told West Brom News: “The laws of the game are very clear. The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and the match officials.

“Each goalkeeper must wear colours that are distinguishable from the other players and the match officials. If the two goalkeepers’ shirts are the same colour and neither has another shirt, the referee allows the match to be played.

“Undershirts must be: a single colour which is the same colour as the main colour of the shirt sleeve or a pattern/colours which exactly replicate(s) the shirt sleeve.

“Undershorts/tights must match the main colour of the shorts or the lowest part of the shorts; players of the same team must wear the same colour.

“This should be resolved in the dressing room before the game goes ahead.”

West Brom to end season on a high note with no pressure

Whether or not the clash between Max O’Leary and the referee had any effect remains to be seen, but if the issue was not brought up to referee Donohue, then you could assume neither side was affected.

However, the rules should have been upheld, and ultimately the referee missed the boat with this one.

Nonetheless, the Baggies securing their place in the Championship next season was momentous, especially with the B71 outfit being handed a points deduction just days before West Brom’s draw against Ipswich.

The Hawthorns club heads into a final-day-of-the-season showdown against Sheffield Wednesday, with neither side having much to play for, other than a chance to sign off the season on a high note.