Arsenal invited relatives of teenagers who have been killed due to knife crime to Sunday’s league game

PARENTS and loved ones of young people who lost their lives to knife crime were invited to Arsenal’s match on Sunday – as the club continued its “No More Red” campaign aimed at reducing the violence.

The founder of a support group who was among the guests, however, warned there was a long way to go to bring the number of stabbings down.

Jennifer Appleton formed Love and Loss after her son Stefan was killed with a machete in Canonbury in 2015. He had just turned 18.

“Poverty plays a massive part, and it needs to be addressed,” she said.

“A lot of people are struggling now. People are struggling at home, they haven’t got any food, and the government is not addressing that. It took a footballer [Marcus Rashford] to address that.”

She added: “Knife crime can start as young as 10. Older [kids] hang around the schools. They know which ones are in care – they know whose parents don’t have much money, and they target them.

Families at the Emirates stadium with council leader Kaya Comer-Schwartz (right)

“And obviously if you haven’t got any money and your family is struggling, you’re going to go with them because they’re offering you new trainers, they’re offering you stuff to buy, or they’re offering you food.”

Arsenal launched its No More Red campaign earlier this month – removing the red from their own team kit to play completely in white during an FA Cup game.

As part of the initiative, Arsenal has pledged to invest in safe spaces for young people to play football, such as the recently-refurbished pitch on Harvist estate.

The club will also offer a mentoring scheme for young people who get involved in community life, which will be aided by club legend Ian Wright, Arsenal’s second highest all-time goalscorer.

Jennifer Appleton

“Knife crime’s still happening, so every little bit that gets the youth to do something like football can help them,” said Ms Appleton – but added that more was needed.

“Youth clubs have closed, they’ve closed everything. Everything’s about money,” she said.

“Arsenal are doing No More Red, but really, how much is that going to change? Until I see money being thrown into these things, nothing’s going to change.”

Last year, 30 teenagers were murdered in London, the highest number since records began. This is the context in which Ms Appleton has said the situation is “getting worse”.

She said: “How many years have gone by since Stefan died? Seven. People have been doing stuff, but what’s changed? Without money in the bank, without putting money into the youth clubs and into supporting families, nothing will improve.”

Stefan Appleton

Other matchday guests on Sunday included Islington Council leader Kaya Comer-Schwartz who talked to some of the relatives whose teenage children have died. The Town Hall was lit up in white in solidarity with Arsenal’s campaign on Sunday.

Ian Wright, who is also a pundit on the BBC, said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to express themselves. The opportunity to exist within a safe environment. The opportunity to live free from fear of violence.

“We can never accept loss of life through youth violence as ‘normal’ in our city and it’s so important that we all work together to create a better environment for young people.”

He added: “By giving young people more places to play sport, more support, and access to individuals who can inspire them, together we can help make a difference to young people in London.”

The Town Hall was lit up with white lamps

The Luther actor Idris Elba – himself an Arsenal fan – is also one of the mentors who has got involved.

He founded the group Don’t Stab Your Future, which tries to steer teenagers away from danger.

“If there continues to be no options for this after-school period, we will always see gangs form,” said Mr Elba.

“Let’s create options for these young people. 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, where nothing can easily turn to something dangerous.”

Stefan Appleton died after being attacked in Nightingale Park with what was described as a “Zombie Killer” machete.

A teenage boy was later jailed for life.