Oxford United are appealing for fans not to wear their replica club shirts this weekend - because the kits are too distracting for players.

Boss Darren Patterson said many of his squad have been confusing fans wearing yellow replica U's shirts for team mates.

One long-serving player, who did not want to be named, told the Oxford Mail he thought he had made an inch-perfect pass to his winger during Saturday's match with Northwich Victoria.

Instead, it landed at the feet of a fan running up the steps to grab a burger at a food stall, he said.

Last night the club appealed to any loyal supporter going to their clash at Weymouth on Saturday to ditch their Oxford United colours in a bid to improve the side's performance.

They suggested fans donned dark clothing - or watch the match topless.

U's boss Patterson said the club had taken every step to address the problem in training by making physio Neil Sullivan stand on the touchline in a replica shirt and then trying to make players ignore him.

The move has already been backed by fans and players.

Season ticketholder Joe Kerr, 33, of Blackbird Leys, said: "If it helps the team then I would be prepared to wear anything to the game this weekend.

"I'd even go topless or dress up in fancy dress. But I'd draw the line at wearing a Swindon Town shirt."

Mother-of-two April Phewall, 45, of Headington, wears her replica shirt with the name of her favourite player Eddie Anaclet on the back.

She said: "It doesn't surprise me. Last week I turned round to speak to my sister and one of the players shouted "Eddie" and the next second the ball ricocheted off my shoulder."

One player, who asked not to be named, said: "It can be very embarrassing. You think you've laid on a perfect pass to a striker in space then realise it is an old lady sitting in the front row wearing a replica shirt."

Mr Patterson would like to see fans wearing grey overcoats to this weekend's match if the weather is cool, or plain-coloured swimwear if it's hot.

He said: "We've had to do something to get back to passing to our own players, but I think we've done that very well in the last few games."

The club is also considering allowing some fans to wear their yellow Oxford United shirts in future matches, but only if they sit directly behind the opposition's goal.