Idris Elba hopes football will lower knife crime as Arsenal wear white kits vs Nottingham Forest as part of campaign

IDRIS ELBA made a passionate plea against knife crime before the FA Cup third round clash against Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal wore a bespoke all-white kit to promote a ‘No More Red’ initiative helping to stop the knife epidemic in the capital.

Last year saw a record number of teenagers murdered in London.

Arsenal supporter Elba, spoke emotionally about the issue of knife crime and the subsequent 'No More Red' campaign on before the game.

The 49-year-old A-lister said: "Thirty kids died senselessly over knife crime. One of those kids could be on that pitch.

"It's an ongoing problem.

"Today is a very monumental day.

"No more red. It literally means, no more blood shed."

The Gunners worked with Adidas to produce the meaningful shirt but it is not for sale.

Instead, it will be awarded by Arsenal to people and organisations tackling the causes of youth violence.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright spoke about the closing of youth centres as a major factor in the epidemic and the initiative to build more safe spaces for the young children of the capital.

The Gunners legend said: "In the last ten years, 750 youth centres closed down, 4,500 youth workers out of work.

"Then when you look at the lives being wasted. The white shirt is about inspiration and action.

"We just want to build more spaces and help the charities that are doing great work in this space."

The Arsenal in the Community team delivers sport, social and education programmes aiming to keep kids off the streets and out of trouble.

Despite their stunning new kit, Arsenal struggled at the City Ground, losing when Lewis Grabban scored an excellent late goal in a 1-0 win for Nottingham Forest.

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