Feeling Blue? Start Seeing Red!

Anyone who watched Liverpool's 1-0 win at Internazionale on Tuesday night this week will have seen the Reds outplay the Nerazzuri for the second time in two Champions League matches, but aside from marveling at the uselessness of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (has anyone EVER seen him play well?) the game was yet another case of a team in red getting the better of a team in blue. And this isn't just a generalization; we're basing that statement on SCIENCE.

Researchers at Durham and Plymouth universities analyzed data on the home results of all Football League clubs since 1945 - which must have been REALLY fun - and came up with the finding that teams who play in red won more often than those in other colors, like blue. Apparently it's because red colors are associated with aggression and dominance, two aspects certainly needed in a successful football team.

Professor Robert Barton, from Durham University, said: "We see a couple of possible explanations. Firstly, over time supporters may have been subconsciously more attracted to a club wearing red, so the club has developed an increasing resource base within its community. Secondly, there may be a positive psychological boost from wearing red that is reflected on the field of play. Competing against a team in red could also impair performance."

Dr Russell Hill, also from Durham University, said: "It is certainly true that the influx of wealthy foreign owners has changed the resources available to some teams and this should result in increased success, regardless of their shirt color.