Plans for Manchester United to wear rainbow jackets in support of the LGBTQ+ community were scrapped after one player refused to wear it.
United had been due to wear the jackets for their warm-up ahead of Sunday’s 4-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford.
However, according to The Athletic, defender Noussair Mazraoui refused to wear the jacket on account of his Muslim faith.
The rainbow jackets would have shown support for the charity Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.
Aimed at encouraging inclusion and support for the LGBTQ+ community in sport, the campaign has seen club captains donning rainbow armbands in recent fixtures.
Manchester United’s LGBTQ+ supporters group, Rainbow Devils, admitted the move to abandon the jackets was a “great disappointment”.
But they did also say that United players were “entitled to hold their own individual opinions”.
Man United skipper Bruno Fernandes wore the rainbow armband at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester United Issue Statement On Rainbow Jackets
Following news breaking of Manchester United’s rainbow jacket plans being scrapped, the club issued a statement.
It read: “Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.
“We demonstrate these principles through a range of activities, including support for our Rainbow Devils supporters’ club, and campaigns to celebrate our LGBTQ+ fans and combat all forms of discrimination.
“Players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club’s position.”
Rainbow Devils also offered a statement on the situation.
The LGBTQ+ supporters club said: “The reason being that one of the match-day squad had refused to wear the jacket on the grounds of their personally held beliefs.
“Therefore, to maintain the team ethos and togetherness, none of the players would be wearing them.
“We respect the right of this player to have his own views, whilst also feeling disappointed that he put the rest of the squad into a position where they felt that they couldn’t wear their jackets.
“We also worry what kind of negative effect this incident might have on any player at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality.”
Marc Guehi Escapes Punishment For Rainbow Armband Message
United aren’t the only club making headlines for their players’ response to rainbow-themed kit.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi wrote ‘Jesus loves you’ on his armband for his side’s game against Ipswich.
Despite breaking the FA’s rule of no religious messaging on kit, Guehi has escaped any formal punishment.
Ipswich skipper Sam Morsy refused to wear the armband altogether, citing his “religious beliefs”.
