Arsenal's reason for wearing all white kit in Liverpool FA Cup clash

07 January 2024 , 05:00

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Arsenal's reason for wearing all white kit in Liverpool FA Cup clash

Arsenal will wear all-white for their FA Cup clash with Liverpool as they as they mark three years of the No More Red campaign.

It is the first time the Gunners have worn it in a home fixture with their women's team following suit against Watford later this month. The campaign, launched in 2022, aims to help keep young people safe from knife crime and tackle youth violence. Arsenal have always been associated with red, but will do away with that at the Emirates this weekend.

Arsenal have continued to support their local area with knife crime a known issue in the capital. The Premier League outfit have invested in safe spaces for people to play football and pressed on with initiatives that have given young people an opportunity to gain experience in creative industries.

Freddie Hudson, Head of Arsenal in the Community, said: “No More Red provides a unique opportunity to highlight almost four decades of our local community work that has helped to keep thousands of young people safe.

“Young people face multiple challenges as they grow up in today’s world and we don’t have all the answers, but we are confident that by acting together and shining a light on the support network available across our community, we can make a significant contribution to the lives of our participants.”

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The shirt will never be readily available for sale but Chris Walsh, VP Brand Northern Europe at Adidas, who manufacture the strip, said: "The No More Red community t-shirt will give supporters an opportunity to show their support, and a way of making a direct impact.”

OXFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: The Arsenal changing room with 'No More Red' shirts before the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Oxford United and Arsenal at Kassam Stadium on January 09, 2023 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The FA Cup was the first piece of silverware that Arteta won as Arsenal boss, seeing off Chelsea in the final back in 2020. Since then they've suffered regular exits and were beaten in last year's third round by eventual winners Manchester City.

This year they've been handed another heavyweight tie, this time against Liverpool. The two teams recently drew at Anfield in a Premier League fixture and will renew their rivalry in north London. Arteta, despite leading an impressive renaissance at Arsenal, is under increasing pressure to justify his huge spend and win another trophy with the FA Cup an ideal opportunity.

Samuel Meade