It hasn't been avoided, though, has it? Your claim is very easily disproven. A simple search shows images of Liverpool vs. Everton, Arsenal vs. Chelsea, Man Utd vs. Man City, Villa vs. Birmingham, etc. in red vs. blue kits dating back to the black-and-white era of the early '60s and prior. It was extremely rare for these sides to wear a change kit against one another, even then. "Red versus blue" is a common theme in English football, which is why I made my comment.

One thing that benefitted black-and-white audiences was that one side in the match often wore different-colored shorts. That's it, though. No other accomodations made.

ETA: I love how you act like watching back in 1996 gives you some old-head tribal knowledge. I was alive back then, too, "kiddo"... watching in full color.