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For the first four decades of Arsenal’s existence, the club’s outfield players wore all-red shirts.
It wasn’t until the appointment of Herbert Chapman in 1925, the legendary manager who inspired innovations in almost every aspect of the club, that Arsenal began playing with white sleeves.
That style remained in place throughout the following century, but on Sunday afternoons, Arsenal will host Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup Draped entirely in white – without a drop of red in sight.
A piece of unique design ArmoryThe No More Red initiative, a joint venture with Adidas to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime in London and beyond. This Premier League The side has invested in the creation of safe spaces across the capital, offering connections for children to interact with clubs and highlighting citizens already making a difference in the area.
safe spaces. Role model. Connections.
This year, the No More Red initiative focuses on giving shirts real meaning, creating a sense of belonging and raising the voices of individuals who are making a positive impact on their local community.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 10, 2025
“Knife crime and serious youth violence are incredibly complex,” said Freddie Hudson, Arsenal’s head of community outreach. “We don’t have a solution to solve the problem, but we know our work with adidas is helping to keep young people safe and creating opportunities for a more positive future.”
While the Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta Warning that playing in different kits is “not something we are used to”, he insisted he was behind the initiative. “It’s great because we have a lot of people who try their lives to improve the quality of life for many people, to create safe spaces, safe environments,” noted the Spanish boss.
“When we get the chance to step it up on such a big occasion, we have to do it. Well done to the club, well done to everyone involved because they put so much effort into it and the impact is huge.”
Arsenal have worn the white shirt for the third round of the FA Cup in each of the last three seasons. The Gunners were victorious against Oxford United in 2023, but lost to Nottingham Forest the year before and Liverpool last season.
“You feel so proud when you pull on the No More Red Shirt,” Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said this week. “Such a unique connection with our supporters in our community gives us a real understanding of the people we are representing and the role we can play as players in raising awareness about issues such as youth crime and violence.”
However, the England The international and his Arsenal teammates are some of the people who will be able to enjoy wearing the unique design. As the club announced ahead of Sunday’s cup tie: “The kit will never be available to buy and will only be given to individuals who are making a positive difference in the community.”
