Explained: Why Aston Villa vs Arsenal kick-off was delayed as fans moan about 'horrible' kit clash

Aston Villa welcomed Arsenal to Villa Park on Saturday but kick-off was delayed by five minutes amid communication issues between the officials ahead of the game's start. Fans also complained about the fact that the two sides appear to be wearing very similar kits, with Villa in claret and blue and Arsenal in black.

The match officials had to delay the game due to the fact that they were unable to communicate with each other, with referees needing to be able to discuss decisions with both the VAR and his assistants at the side of the field. Sky Sports reported at the time of kick-off that the issue had not been fully resolved, with the linesmen unable to hear Michael Oliver, although it was fixed while the game was being played.

In addition to the late kick-off, fans have complained about a supposed kit clash.

@KitManRamsey said: "Horrible kit clash, especially with Villa's darker shade of claret."

@SadioIogist wrote: "Horrible kit clash ffs."

@_Me7o added: "This kit clash lowkey annoying af."

@PaulCrampton01 said: "Kit clash and the ref is terrible."

Villa are next in action against Leicester City next weekend. Arsenal will play Brighton.