Controversial Kit: Sunderland’s 1981 Candy Red Strips Spark Uproar
In 1981, Sunderland Football Club made headlines not for their newly appointed manager or their performances on the field, but for their controversial new kit. The candy red and black pinstripe shirts caused a significant uproar among supporters, leading to a heated debate about tradition and style.
The kit was first unveiled through a photo shoot featuring Jeff Clarke and local model Jane Davison, in late July. It made its debut during a series of pre-season friendly matches in Scotland and the Borders, starting with Heart of Midlothian. The Sunderland fans had their first up-close encounter with the candy red strips during the final leg of the tour against Berwick Rangers, and their reaction was far from positive.
The proximity of Shielfield Park to Wearside, coupled with an affordable special return fare of £2.50 offered by British Rail, meant that many Sunderland supporters attended the match. However, instead of the usual optimism that comes with a new season, a wave of dissatisfaction swept through the crowd as they got a feel for the unconventional kit.
The renowned football journalist, Doug Weatherall, reported the following day that there were numerous chants expressing displeasure over the departure from the traditional red and white colors. Despite the fans’ sartorial concerns, Sunderland’s performance on the pitch managed to provide some consolation. The team had recently earned a draw at Dens Park, coming back from a two-goal deficit, and continued their momentum with a victory against Berwick Rangers. Goals from Gary Rowell and John Cooke sealed the win, although goalkeeper Chris Turner had to make several crucial saves throughout the match.
The introduction of Mick Docherty, a popular midfielder making a tentative comeback after a long injury layoff, further boosted spirits among the fans. Docherty had not played since 1979 but demonstrated his undeniable quality during his brief appearance. Unfortunately, his return turned out to be short-lived as his knee proved unable to withstand the demands of the sport.
Before Docherty’s cameo, Sunderland’s youth side faced off against Berwick Rangers’ youth team, with the Black Cats emerging victorious with a 2-0 win, thanks to a brace from Barry Wardrobe. This result added a touch of irony to the grumbles surrounding the first team’s kit.
The manufacturers of the controversial kit, Le Coq Sportif, had exacerbated matters by pairing the candy red shirts with red shorts. Although they had a more conventional blue change kit available, even the mention of their name still triggers memories of discomfort for some fans. Despite the reproducible versions of the candy red strip frequently spotted today, many still hold negative opinions of it even after four decades. The kit was initially planned for a three-year run but was ultimately abandoned after only two seasons.
Fast forward to the present, Sunderlands’ 2022-23 strip drew inspiration from the Nike kit that followed the candy red era, and it has generally received a positive response. However, considering the divisive nature of the candy red strips, it would require a bold move for the club to ever consider a return to such a design.
The candy red kits of 1981 may have sparked controversy, but they undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Sunderland’s history. Whether it was their departure from tradition or their clash with other elements of the kit, the candy red strips of that season remain a defining talking point among fans and pundits alike.
In conclusion, while some may argue that the candy red strips were a necessary departure from tradition, others remain staunch believers in the classic red and white kits that have become synonymous with Sunderland. Either way, one thing is for certain: the kits of a football club can evoke strong emotions and opinions that endure long after the final whistle has blown.
