EXPLAINED: Why Arsenal will wear all-white kits in their FA Cup clash vs Man United?

New Delhi: One of the most successful English clubs in history, Arsenal take on the most successful English club in history as the Gunners renew their rivalry with Manchester United in their FA Cup third round encounter later tonight. The two rivals, apart from sharing their rich history in the beautiful game, also share the same primary kit colour with both the Gunners and the aptly named Red Devils featuring the colour red on their kit.

However, in a rare exception, Arsenal will not be seen donning their iconic red and white kits tonight and will instead be seen in an all-white kit, the complete opposite of the days of old when the club used to wear all-red kits. Mikel Arteta’s side wear this unique kit as part of their ‘no more red’ initiative, a joint venture launched alongside their kit manufacturers Adidas, to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime which exist in London and beyond.

The North London club have been engaging in this initiative since 2022 with this being their fourth year. To honour the fourth year of the initiative, the club have brought local London residents Zakaria Hassan, George Hobden and Amy Scanlon, recognized for their efforts of making a positive difference in the community with first-team players Declan Rice, Miles Lewis-Skelly and Alessia Russo to discuss the impact of No More Red in a short film discussing the betterment of the youth in London.

The No More Red initiative

Safe spaces. Role models. Connections.

This year, the No More Red initiative focuses on giving real meaning to the shirt, creating a sense of belonging and lifting the voices of individuals who are making a positive impact on their local community.

🤝 @adidasfootball

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 10, 2025

Launched in 2022 in partnership with adidas, Arsenal’s No More Red initiative seeks to address the pressing issue of knife crime in London. By raising awareness and creating opportunities for young people, the campaign aims to promote safe spaces, foster positive futures, and recognize those already making a difference in their communities. Freddie Hudson, head of Arsenal’s community outreach program, explained the importance of the initiative.

“Knife crime and serious youth violence is incredibly complex. We don’t have the solution to fix the problem, but we know our work with adidas is helping keep young people safe and create opportunities for more positive futures.” As part of the initiative, Arsenal has worked on the formation of safe spaces across London where young people can interact with the club and engage in constructive activities. The campaign also highlights the work of individuals contributing positively to their communities.

The club’s efforts have also resonated with Arsenal players. Midfielder Declan Rice, who is a Londoner himself, spoke ahead of the match and said, “There’s an immense pride you feel when you pull on the No More Red shirt.” He also exclaimed that having such a special connection with the supporters the community gives a real understanding of the people they’re representing and the role they can have as players in raising awareness.