Liverpool 1996–97 Away Shirt – Authenticity Guide
The Liverpool 1996–97 Away Shirt, often referred to as the “ecru” shirt, is one of the most unique kits of the 90s era and marked a striking departure from traditional colours. Manufactured by Reebok, it featured a creamy off-white base with maroon and black trim. This shirt gained cult status and was worn in iconic matches throughout the season. Known issues include fakes with white fabric instead of ecru, inaccurate jacquard patterns, and incorrect Reebok crest placement.
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Shirt Overview
- Club: Liverpool FC
- Season: 1996–97
- Type: Away Shirt
- Manufacturer: Reebok
- Main Colours: Ecru with maroon and black trim
- Competition Use: Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
- Available Versions: Short sleeve only, fan replica and player issue
- Retail Release: Summer 1996
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Design Details
- Ecru base with repeating jacquard pattern featuring stylised LFC crests
- Round neck with ribbed maroon and black trim
- Reebok logo embroidered in red on the right chest
- Liverpool crest sewn into a red oval patch on the left chest
- Official player printing in red with white outline
- Internal size label with Reebok x Liverpool branding
- Worn with matching ecru shorts and socks
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Variants and Notes
- Player Issue Versions: Higher-quality jacquard texture, larger crest, and size-printed collar tag
- Reissue Warning: Official remakes and retro shirts exist – check for correct label style and jacquard detail
- 1997–98 Usage: Shirt was carried over and worn as third shirt during the following season
- Youth Kits: Typically feature simplified crest patch and screen-printed sponsor
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Player Info
| Player | Appearances (All Competitions) |
| Robbie Fowler | 44 |
| Steve McManaman | 50 |
| Jamie Redknapp | 40 |
| Patrik Berger | 38 |
| David James | 48 |
| Stan Collymore | 29 |
| John Barnes | 30 |
| Mark Wright | 34 |
| Jason McAteer | 37 |
| Michael Thomas | 27 |
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Season Summary
Liverpool’s 1996–97 season was one of unfulfilled promise. Roy Evans’ side topped the table for stretches of the campaign but ultimately finished 4th in the Premier League. They also reached the semi-finals of the Cup Winners’ Cup, bowing out to PSG. The “ecru” shirt became a visual emblem of that era—stylish and modern, yet associated with near-misses and what-ifs.
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Final Notes
At Shirtchecker.com, our goal is to help collectors visually authenticate football shirts through verified design details, match-era references, and real-world shirt imagery. The Liverpool 1996–97 Away Shirt stands as a cult classic and is widely respected for its bold colour choice and distinctive aesthetic.
