Leeds United Red Bull sponsorship development not ideal for supporters
Dan Bardell has sympathy for Leeds United supporters over their criticism of the colour scheme of the Red Bull sponsor on their new home shirt.
The Whites released their new kit on Friday (5 July) but the reception from supporters was not entirely positive across social media.
The upcoming campaign is Leeds’ first sponsored by Red Bull, who have invested in the club and become the new front-of-shirt sponsor.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell understands why fans may be unhappy with the design choice given the fact that their logo has red – the colours of fierce rivals Manchester United – on it..
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Bardell said: “It’s not ideal, the colour scheme for Leeds fans.
“I can see why they are upset because it is the colours of one of their biggest rivals. Unfortunately, Red Bull are the sponsor and that is what their logo is.
“Fans have suggested that the club could have been more switched on and changed the colour scheme which we see a lot especially on away and third shirts.
“It doesn’t look very nice on the shirt, it isn’t very aesthetically pleasing so I can sympathise with Leeds fans on that.“
Leeds United criticised for Red Bull shirt sponsor design
There was always a bit of a double-edged sword for fans when the link up with Red Bull was announced.
On the one hand, there is no doubt that the money received from the every drinks giants is a huge boost financially, especially at a time the club failed to return to the Premier League after losing the play-off final to Southampton.
Once the final whistle went and Leeds were confirmed for another year in the Championship, a possibility of several of the clubs top stars being sold felt very real.
Even though Archie Gray has been sold already this summer, the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto have not left and the money from Red Bull means Leeds won’t feel pressured into selling.
But on the other, you can understand the frustration of supporters who will not like the fact the colours of their rivals appear on their famous white shirt.
There could have been some work done to change the sponsor to match the colours of Leeds or even use a different logo design.
The shirt isn’t the end of the world but after having such great designs last season, it is frustrating to have taken a step back ahead of the new campaign.
In other Leeds news, an update has been shared on the future of Georginio Rutter.
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