Crystal Palace have rolled out their 2026-27 home kit-and fans are already furious. The Eagles’ new first-choice shirt swaps tradition for a stark white base, slashed diagonally by a blue-and-red stripe from shoulder to hem. The sash, last seen in 1976, is back, and so is the club’s 1973-87 circular crest. But supporters aren’t buying it ahead of a season that kicks off with Palace 8th in the Premier League with zero points.
What’s wrong with the new home kit?
The design has split opinion fast. Palace’s traditional claret-and-blue palette is nowhere to be seen on the new home shirt, replaced by a bold white canvas cut through by a blue-and-red diagonal. The sash-iconic in the mid-70s-returns 50 years after its debut, and the old-school crest is back too. Yet on X, fans have branded it “dreadful,” “ruined,” and unworthy of the club’s Selhurst Park identity. The backlash is instant, with many arguing the look lacks the flair Palace need as they chase another European adventure.
Pierre Sage, the new manager, will hope the kit row doesn’t derail his start in charge. Palace are still in the Europa League after lifting the Conference League last term, and Sage’s side sit 8th in the Premier League with zero points going into the new campaign. The kit debate risks overshadowing the on-pitch rebuild under the French boss.
Why does the kit matter now?
Palace’s 2026-27 season is a fresh chapter. Oliver Glasner has left, Sage has arrived, and the club is chasing back-to-back European runs. A bold kit can galvanise a fanbase, but this one has backfired. The sash and crest nods to the club’s past, yet the white base jars with the claret-and-blue tradition. Fans expected something iconic to mark the new era-something that screams Selhurst Park. Instead, they got a design that divides instantly.
The timing stings too. With the Europa League draw looming and the Premier League table empty at zero points, Palace can’t afford distractions. The kit row risks becoming a narrative that distracts from Sage’s rebuild and the club’s push for another top-half finish.
When’s the away kit coming-and will it be better?
Palace’s away kit is still under wraps. Last season’s third kit dropped on 24 July 2025, but this year’s home release dragged on, leaving fans guessing. Most expect the new away shirt within two weeks, though some fear it could slip to early August. If the home kit is any guide, the wait won’t help the mood.
Sage’s side face Bournemouth away on 20 February 2027, and the new away kit could debut before then. Until then, Palace fans are stuck debating the home shirt-and hoping the next design turns the tide.
Palace sit 8th in the Premier League with zero points as the new season edges closer. The kit row won’t help their start, but the next fixture looms large.
