Revealed: Why Aston Villa are wearing black shirts for FA Cup home clash against West Ham

Aston Villa confused viewers of their FA Cup tie against West Ham when they were spotted wearing an all-black kit.

Villa host the Hammers in the third round of the iconic competition on Friday evening in what is the first match of Graham Potter’s tenure in charge of the visitors after the former Chelsea boss was appointed on Thursday.

However, when the action got underway, there was a clear difference to how the home side looked.

Instead of the usual burgundy and blue stripe that Unai Emery’s side sport during matches, Villa simply wore white shorts with a plain black shirt and black socks.

The club announced earlier this week that the players would wear the special one-off strip – which does not feature any sponsors – to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.

Worn only once, this kit has a retro look, with only numbers on the back of shirts, but no names.

The special one-time commemorative package is warm to celebrate Villa’s 150th anniversary

The black kit is a clear departure from Villa’s usual home strip and no sponsors are shown

Announcing the decision, the club provided an explanation for the reasoning behind the move, which saw them ‘create this historic look’.

“Aston Villa is pleased to announce that it will honor the club’s 150th anniversary with the launch of a special commemorative kit,” a statement said.

‘With Unai Emery’s side hosting West Ham United in the third round of this season’s Emirates FA Cup on Friday evening, the club will continue its seasonal celebration almost 150 years to the day since our very first recorded match.

‘For the occasion, the players will wear a black kit, modeled on the first kits worn by the club before the switch to our famous burgundy and blue colours.’

They continued: ‘In 1878, Aston Villa became the first team in Britain to place an emblem on their playing kit, adopting the Scottish lion rampant.

‘The motifs were sourced from Scotland by William McGregor himself and to celebrate our club’s pioneering spirit, an emblem inspired by the crest that featured on the kits has been authentically redrawn from the earliest sources we have.’

As part of the design, Villa’s main sponsors Betano and Trade Nation – whose logos usually appear on the shirt – have given up their brand space for the match.

The commemorative strip on the front of the shirt also had an extra symbol that was inspired by the stained glass windows of Villa Park.

The black bit can be purchased online and in person at the Villa club shop.