Why is Reading wearing red and blue striped sleeves vs Man Utd?

MANCHESTER UNITED play in the FA Cup tonight as they meet Reading in the fourth round.

The Red Devils beat Everton 3-1 to reach this stage but now they are taking on a league side.

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Reading beat Watford 2-0 and set up their exciting visit to Old Trafford.

The former Prem side haven’t been on TV much this season but tonight they will be available live and direct to ITV4.

And fans might notice that the sleeves of the Reading jerseys sport a flashier-than-usual red and blue stripe pattern.

Traditionally, all previous Reading home shirts were white and royal blue hoops.

Why does Reading wear red and blue striped sleeves?

Reading’s home shirt for the 2022/23 season was designed by Professor Ed Hawkins, a climate scientist from the University of Reading.

The striped sleeves on Reading’s shirt are said to represent the rise in average temperatures over the past 150 years.

The top of the sleeves feature predominantly blue stripes, suggesting temperatures used to be cooler.

Towards the bottom of the sleeve, the stripes turn red, indicating the planet is getting warmer.

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Reading has partnered with the University of Reading to transform their impact on the environment.

The kit is made entirely from recycled bottles and the garment itself is fully recyclable.

The stripes can also be seen on climate activist Greta Thunberg’s book ‘The Climate Book’ and on numerous buses across Reading.

A win for both sides tonight would put them into the fifth round draw, which is due to take place on Monday.

But if the game ends in a tie, the game will be forced to a replay.