Ireland are welcoming Finland tonight at the Aviva Stadium as they prepare to build on the improvements made under Heimir Hallgrímsson in the last international break.
The first two games under the new boss were disappointing to say the least, but fans found more reasons to be optimistic in the last window of games, and hope that it is a sign of better things to come.
Before a ball is even kicked however, one of the major talking points around the game is what the players will look like, rather than what they will play like.
The home team will be wearing their brand the “Hype Kit” which is a special jersey made to celebrate the 1994 World Cup that Jack Charlton famously lead.
That team brought a lot of happy memories to a lot of people, and it certainly is good to think back on a period when Ireland were not only competing at World Cups, but were also progressing well in them too.
You picture the likes of Roy Keane, Paul McGrath and above all else, Ray Houghton, who scored that famous goal to secure a 1-0 victory over Italy in New York.
However, what fans can’t get their head around, is the fact that their team will be playing in a white jersey, despite the fact that the game is at home.
It goes without saying that the home colours are green, but in order to showcase this new top, they are opting for away colours.
READ HERE: Derry Legend Claims Players Should Be ‘Damn Ashamed’ For ‘Letting City Down’
READ HERE: Heimir Hallgrímsson Explains Difficulty While Learning Amhrán na bhFiann
Relive the magic of World Cup ’94 with the Ireland hype kit 🇮🇪
Inspired by Ireland’s historic 1-0 victory over Italy in New York, this jersey captures the spirit of that unforgettable moment
Wear a piece of Irish football history and celebrate the day the Boys in Green stunned… pic.twitter.com/4TrGAGBWrV
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 12, 2024
Fans did not waste any time sharing their views on the matter.
“White kit at home against a team that normally wears white”
“This is nonsense. We’re playing at home.”
“Did we not just get a new away kit 8 months ago? Also aren’t we at home tonight?”
“Disgrace. Green is our home colours and that kit has no relevance to USA94.”
The fact that Finland traditionally wear white does make it all the more jarring to look at, but nonetheless, if Ireland manage to pull off a win and put in a good performance, then fans will likely change their opinion very quickly.