Arsenal to Wear All-White Kit in FA Cup Tie as Part of ‘No More Red’ Campaign
In a continuation of their ‘No More Red’ campaign, Arsenal will be sporting an all-white kit for their FA Cup third-round match against Liverpool. This marks the third consecutive season that Arsenal has chosen to ditch their traditional red home kit for this particular fixture.
The ‘No More Red’ initiative is a collaboration between Arsenal and kit manufacturer Adidas, aimed at promoting youth safety and ending knife crime. The campaign seeks to create safe and positive spaces for young people in London, where knife crime rates have been on the rise.
According to police records, there has been a significant increase in knife or sharp instrument offenses in London, with approximately 12,786 incidents recorded in the past year. Tragically, last year saw more teenage homicides in London than the previous year, with 18 out of 21 victims being stabbed.
To commemorate the victims of youth violence, Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham paid tribute to sixteen-year-old Harry Pitman, the last teenage homicide victim in 2023, during their FA Cup win over Burnley. This gesture highlights the importance of initiatives like ‘No More Red’ in creating safer environments for young people.
Arsenal’s decision to wear an all-white kit for this match is a symbolic representation of their commitment to the ‘No More Red’ campaign. The kit, which has been drained of red, will not be available for sale. However, a limited number of replicas have been given exclusively to community champions who have made a positive difference in London.
In addition to wearing the all-white kit, supporters can also purchase a bespoke ‘No More Red’ community t-shirt, with 100% of the retail price (£30) being donated to various charity partners. This allows fans to contribute to the campaign and support the cause.
Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah expressed his support for the campaign, emphasizing the importance of providing young people with opportunities and safe spaces to keep them occupied and away from crime. Nketiah believes that initiatives like ‘No More Red’ can make a significant difference in reducing crime rates.
The all-white kit was first worn by Arsenal in January 2022 against Nottingham Forest, and it made a reappearance last season against Oxford United. The women’s team will also don the all-white kit for the first time in their FA Cup fourth-round match against Watford.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has been a vocal supporter of the ‘No More Red’ campaign, emphasizing the need to create a better environment for young people. Wright believes that by providing more support, access to sports, and inspirational figures, positive change can be achieved.
While Arsenal’s all-white kit may be a temporary change, its significance lies in the message it conveys. By raising awareness about youth violence and promoting safety, Arsenal aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in London.
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