How important is it for a washing machine to be connected to the cold tap?

The instruction manual for the Whirlpool washing machine, model, AWG320/2, says quite clearly that the red pipe should be connected to the hot tap and blue pipe should be connected to the cold tap. However, both pipes are connected to the hot tap and there does not seem to be any way of connecting the washing machine to the cold tap. What are the consequences of the washing machine not being able to access cold water?