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Why Arsenal Wear All White Shirt? The Story Behind No More Red Campaign

  Hassan Afolabi January 13, 2025

Arsenal's No More Red campaign, launched in January 2022 in collaboration with Adidas, is a proactive initiative aimed at combating knife crime and youth violence in London.

By donning an all-white kit, departing from their traditional red and white, the club seeks to raise awareness and inspire action against these pressing societal issues.

When Did Arsenal Start Wearing All-White Shirt?

Arsenal debuted the All White shirt in an Emirates FA Cup round three meeting with Nottingham Forest in January 2022, where Mikel Arteta's charge suffered a 1-0 defeat to a late goal from substitute Lewis Grabban.

Since then, it has become a tradition, and the Gunners have done it once every year for their first Emirates FA Cup engagements.

Why Arsenal Wear All White Shirt?

The choice of an all-white kit serves as a powerful visual statement, symbolizing the aspiration for a future without bloodshed and violence.

Between June 2020 and June 2021, Police figures show over 10,000 knife crime offenses in London, with most involving knife attacks. There were 30 teenage killings recorded at that time as well.

Building  Safe Spaces for Community Engagement 

A cornerstone of the No More Red campaign is the investment in creating and refurbishing safe spaces for young people to engage in sports and other positive activities.

Since the inception of the campaign in January 2022, Arsenal and Adidas have developed multiple community pitches, providing thousands of hours of organized activity and open access for local youth.

These spaces offer alternatives to street life, fostering a sense of belonging and safety in the community.

Arsenal locked off the No More Red Campaign in January 2022, in a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in an Emirates FA Cup third round game in the City Ground.

Mentorship and Opportunities

Beyond physical spaces, the campaign offers mentorship programs connecting young people with creative talents and role models, including figures like Hollywood star Idris Elba and club legend Ian Wright.

Elba said: “It is about options. I don’t think any kid is born into a gang or wanting to be a gang member, but if those gang members are giving you more options about who you are or giving you some credibility.

“You are naturally going to go towards that. What do we give these young people? Adidas and Arsenal are working to make sporting facilities more available — that is a practical method of getting kids away from the streets for a couple of hours. It nurtures talent and gives kids an option.”

These mentors also provide guidance, inspiration, and access to opportunities in various industries, helping youths make positive life choices and pursue constructive paths.

Where can I get the White Arsenal shirt?

The All White kit is not available for commercial purchase. However, it is awarded to individuals and organizations making significant positive contributions within their communities.

This approach from the Arsenal, emphasizes the campaign's focus on genuine community impact over commercial gain.

What is Arsenal's Record with the White shirt?

Arsenal has worn the All-White shirt for the No More Red campaign on four occasions and has lost three, including a penalty shootout loss to Manchester United in the Emirates in 2025.

Arsenal has won one and lost three of the games win the All White shirt.

Liverpool in 2024 and Nottingham Forest in 2022 have all beaten the Gunners, who have a 25 percent win rate with the shirt thanks to a 3-0 away win over then League One side, Oxford United in 2023.

Even though the All-White shirt has not brought Arsenal too much joy on the pitch, it is a campaign that shows just how much the club values it community and its commitment to the promotion of peace and development.

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