Why Brighton Wore a Strange All-Blue Kit in 3-0 Arsenal Win

Brighton & Hove Albion’s 3-0 Premier League win over Arsenal on Saturday, September 19, was accompanied by an unusual all-blue kit that quickly caught the attention of football fans.

The Seagulls normally play in blue-and-white striped shirts, but Fabian Hürzeler’s side took to the pitch in a solid blue jersey with the club crest, Nike logo and sponsor name all rendered in the same shade of blue.

The design made the shirt appear almost as though it had been turned inside out, with the sponsor barely visible against the blue fabric.

Special Kit Marks Club’s Historic Milestone

Brighton wore the special strip as part of celebrations marking 125 years of the club’s history.

The kit draws inspiration from the club’s first strip from the 1901-02 season. It features a solid “Mountain Blue” base, a classic polo collar, a short button placket and self-fabric cuffs.

Nike, Brighton’s technical partner, designed the commemorative jersey. The occasion was linked to the anniversary of Brighton’s first competitive match, which took place on September 21, 1901.

The Arsenal fixture was the closest home game to that historic date and therefore served as the club’s official 125th anniversary celebration. However, Brighton itself was founded earlier, on June 24, 1901.

Brighton FC’s First Competitive Match

More than a century ago, Brighton began its competitive journey with an FA Cup preliminary qualifying-round match against Brighton Athletic.

The Seagulls won that historic encounter 6-2, setting the foundation for a club that would eventually reach the Premier League.

Brighton’s modern identity is closely associated with its blue-and-white striped home shirts. The club traditionally uses different variations of the stripes from season to season.

The contrast was particularly noticeable this year because the regular 2026/27 home kit also uses blue as its dominant colour, but with white pinstripes.

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Club Planned Special Anniversary Celebrations

Brighton had announced before the Arsenal match that the fixture would form the centrepiece of its 125-year celebrations.

The club organised a series of activities throughout the American Express Stadium, including live musical performances around the ground.

Fans could enjoy acoustic performances near Falmer station and by the East Stand, while a live band performed in the Terrace.

Anna Easthope, Brighton’s head of marketing, said the match was one of the highlights of the club’s anniversary programme.

“Saturday’s game is one of the highlights of the club’s 125 years celebrations which have been in the planning for many months.”

She added that the celebrations had focused on the club’s history, family, home, city and story before culminating in the Premier League fixture.

“So many people have been involved in making this matchday special and we hope the fans and players will enjoy their part in it.”

The club also prepared a special welcome for supporters as the teams entered the pitch.

Fans displayed individual flags from every home seat, while the East Stand featured a blue-and-white tifo mosaic. Brighton also planned an expanded pyrotechnics display and a special 125 centre-circle flag.

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Hürzeler Praises Brighton’s Performance

The celebrations became even more memorable after Brighton produced a commanding performance against the reigning champions.

Speaking after the 3-0 victory, Hürzeler praised his players for their intensity and togetherness.

“Beating the current champions and the best team in England is something special. But it is not because the result is special, it is the performance. The boys showed real togetherness and intensity.”

The Brighton coach said his players made the match difficult for Arsenal by focusing on the basics and competing strongly in individual duels.

“They were horrible to play against today, and that’s because we did the basic things right. Overall I was very pleased with the performance.”

Hürzeler also believed Brighton deserved the victory.

“I think we deserved to win. It’s a moment the players and the staff can enjoy because they worked hard for this, but it’s also important why we had this success today, because we did the basics right and we were brilliant in the duels.”

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Photo of Brighton & Hove Albion’s fans with blue and white flags in the stadium celebrating their win against Arsenal
PHOTO/Brighton FC on September 19