Why are Arsenal wearing all-white kit vs. Man United? Powerful reason behind 'No More Red' jersey campaign

The most successful team in the history of the FA Cup will be wearing an all-white kit when they kick off their 2024/25 campaign in the competition at home to Manchester United on Sunday.

Instead of their traditional red home jersey, Arsenal will be wearing an all-white strip when they attempt to eliminate the holders at Emirates Stadium.

The idea is to spread a message to a worldwide audience of millions who will be watching the televised third-round game.

Here's why Arsenal are changing their colours once again in a cup match, what it means and who's involved.

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Why are Arsenal playing in white in the FA Cup?

In January 2022, Arsenal launched the second phase of their campaign, 'No More Red', to support the long-standing initiative by Arsenal in the Community to help keep young people safe from knife crime and youth violence. 

Arsenal men's team donned an all-white kit in their FA Cup third-round tie with Nottingham Forest that year, officially launching the campaign. The initiative is now in its fourth year.

There were more than 10,000 knife crime offences in London between June 2020 and June 2021, while 2022 saw the highest number of teenage murders in a year in London since records began.

Most of those deaths involved knife attacks. Although the number of teenagers killed as a result of violent youth crime dropped significantly in comparison in 2022, there were 11,502 knife offences recorded in the capital between January 2022 and November 2022, which was an increase compared with the corresponding period in 2021.

Together with kit suppliers Adidas, Arsenal reaffirmed their commitment to creating safe spaces for young people to play sport in the city, provide better access to trusted role models and highlight gifted individuals making a positive difference in their community.

Club legend Ian Wright, actor Idris Elba, DJ Emerald Rose Lewis and artist Reuben Dangoor are among the high-profile creative figures who have supported the scheme in the community.

Professional boxer and Arsenal fan Anthony Yarde, who is one of the well-known athletes involved, has personal experience of being exposed to violence in the community when he was growing up in London.

"I understand that some are very good kids getting led astray," said Yarde. "They see crime as a resolution but need to see the bigger picture and seek opportunities.

"I think community is very important because people need people. When people come together in a positive way, it's powerful.

DSYF. These t-shirts will never be made for sale but given to inspirational young people as a symbol of positivity as part of the ‘No More Red’ initiative with @adidasfootball and @arsenal.#NoMoreRed#DSYF pic.twitter.com/p1XdkhSyk9

"It can be powerful in different ways, for businesses, families, sports and any other gathering you can think of.

"Campaigns like 'No More Red' are so important because they shine a light on the opportunities that are actually out there. In my opinion, it shines a light on choices."

Freddie Hudson, Head of Arsenal in the Community, said: "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. 

"It's important we continue to invest in safe spaces where we engage young people facing multiple challenges as they navigate their way through their lives. This is where trust is built, and positive relationships develop with our staff.

"Being part of something positive like No More Red creates an important sense of belonging. The safe spaces and trusted relationships lead to connections and opportunities like volunteering, education and employment. Over time, we see young leaders emerge from our projects to inspire and influence other young people to make good life choices."

How is Idris Elba involved in Arsenal's 'No More Red' campaign?

Elba created the campaign 'Don't Stab Your Future', which aims to address knife crime and work towards a better future for those at risk of becoming involved in the issue.

'Don't Stab Your Future' is one of the partners of 'No More Red'. "From the time young people leave school until the time they’re at home with family, there is often a void - a dangerous spike of nothing to do - when nothing can easily turn to something dangerous," Elba said.

“If there continues to be no options for this after-school period, we will always see gangs form. Let’s create options for these young people.” 

Can you buy the Arsenal 'No More Red' white shirt?

Arsenal have said the shirt will never be commercially available and is exclusively on offer to individuals who are "making a positive difference in the community."

People who volunteer as part of the scheme will receive a shirt and be invited to watch a game at Emirates Stadium. More information is available on the campaign website.