Oldham ban shirt swapping due to 'severe shortage'

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Oldham Athletic players were banned from swapping shirts with their Everton counterparts after their FA Cup fifth round tie because of a shortage of first-team kit.

Photo: @HomerGreen

In what is widely considered a global football tradition, players often swap shirts with opponents as a sign of respect and as a memento of the game.

But the cash-strapped League One club were concerned they might not have enough shirts for their next game against Stevenage on Tuesday.

In a sign sellotaped to the dressing room door and signed off by caretaker manager Tony Philliskirk and chief executive Neil Joy, players were urged not to exchange kit with the Toffees' stars because of "a serve shortage of first team home shirts".

However, Oldham players defied the shirt-swapping ban in the aftermath of the stoppage-time equaliser from Matt Smith that earned the Latics a money-spinning replay at Goodison Park.

"We all got carried away and didn't really think about the notice," said midfielder Jose Baxter, who claimed the prized shirt of England full-back Leighton Baines.

"I just hope we've got enough kit for Tuesday."

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