On Sunday 9th January 2022, Arsenal will be taking on Nottingham Forest in the 3rd Round of the 2021/22 FA Cup but their look for the game will be a unique one, they will be wearing an all white kit – no coloured sponsors, no coloured trim, no other colour at all.
This kit is not there for the sake of change or for any commerical gain, its being used to deliver a powerful message, the removal of red from the kit is to highlight the increasing number of knife attacks and teenager murders in London which saw more than 10,000 knife crime offences between June 2020 and June 2021.
The campaign is being backed and promoted by Club Legend Ian Wright and Hollywood “A Lister” Idris Elba, who are promoting the work carried out by Arsenal in the Community’s work with young people in London and providing more safe, positive spaces for young people and spotlighting talented individuals who are making a positive difference in their community.
The launch of Arsenal’s No More Red Campaign can be viewed below.
There are some powerful videos supporting the campaign which are well worth spending a few minutes watching to understand the impact of the initiative.
Idris Elba and Ian Wright video can be viewed below.
As mentioned above Arsenal are not looking for any commerical gain here and as a result of this the shirts will not be available for sale but the match worn shirts will be given to those organisations who are currently working to reduce knife crime in London, these organisations are:
- Arsenal in the Community
- The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation
- Steel Warriors
- Don’t Stab Your Future (DSYF)
- Box Up Crime
- Copenhagen Youth Project
- St Giles Trust
- Abianda
- Octopus Community Network
- The Ben Kinsella Trust
All details can be found on Arsenal Website – click here
The shirt will have the club crest, Adidas Logo and 3 Stripes and all sponsorship in white, including a sleeve logo of “No More Red” and will be worn with white shorts and socks.
For me this is using Football Kits in the most powerful way, this initiative makes me proud to be a Kit Enthusiast and I have nothing but respect for Arsenal, Adidas and all those that are behind the campaign and bringing this to life, congratulations to you all.
Football Kit Geek - @Kit_Geek 