MANCHESTER UNITED players abandoned plans to wear a jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community after Noussair Mazraoui refused to join the initiative.
United were due to don an Adidas jacket before Sunday’s Premier League clash with Everton at Old Trafford, where Ruben Amorim’s side picked up a 4-0 win.
Man Utd have worn a pride-themed jersey to warm up ahead of games and a jacket of a similar design when walking out for a match the last two seasons during the Rainbow Laces period.
That is when Premier League teams are asked to support the LGBTQ+ community.
According to The Athletic, however, the Red Devils decided not to wear the walk-out jacket because Mazraoui, 27, told his team-mates he was not prepared to wear it due to his Muslim faith.
The team decided that no players would wear it so that the full-back would not be the only one seen publicly refusing to put it on.
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The squad’s decision was taken just hours before the game against Everton.
The same source claims not everyone in the dressing room was happy with the decision.
It has also been reported that Adidas is disappointed by the development after United’s players previously supported the initiative before matches in previous years.
Nevertheless, captain Bruno Fernandes wore the rainbow armband, reflecting the club’s support for the Rainbow Laces campaign.
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Several men’s and women’s first team players, such as Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans, also took part in video content expressing support for the campaign.
The United skipper described wearing his rainbow-coloured armband as “a sign of respect” that makes LGBTQ+ fans “feel supported” by the players.
Man Utd issued the following statement: “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.”
The Rainbow Devils, United’s LGBTQ+ Supporters Club, issued a statement in response to Mazraoui’s stance.
It read: “As part of this year’s Rainbow Laces campaign, Rainbow Devils worked closely with – and had great support from – Manchester United and the Fan Engagement team.
“This has included working with the Manchester United Foundation to spread the message of inclusivity with local schools, to a Q&A with two Men’s first team players, to supportive messages from many Men and Women first team players (including an individual one from captain Bruno Fernandes).
“Even a pitchside event at Old Trafford on Sunday ahead of the Everton game. On this latter occasion, which was United’s official Rainbow Laces game, the players were due to wear specially designed jackets pre-match to mark the occasion.
“Shortly before the game, Rainbow Devils was informed that these jackets would not be worn. The reason being that one of the matchday 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.
“This was obviously a great disappointment to Rainbow Devils, but also to all those who had worked hard at the club to deliver this event.
“We are aware of who the player concerned is, but we feel it isn’t our role to single him out, and risk spoiling all the other positive things that the majority of those at the club have done.
“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.
“Rainbow Devils will continue to work with Manchester United to support inclusivity, through the One Love initiative and others, as we all continue our work to ensure all LGBTQ+ people feel safe and welcome at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch.
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, who is also a practising Muslim, refused to wear a rainbow armband for religious reasons in his club’s two Rainbow Laces fixtures as well.
And Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi was reminded by the Football Association of the rules on playing equipment after writing a religious message on his.
Guehi, 24, who is a devout Christian, was warned by the FA not to repeat his actions after writing “I love Jesus” on his armband for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
And on Tuesday, the Palace skipper ignored the warning as he wrote “Jesus loves you” on his armband during the 1-0 victory at Ipswich.
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However, it has emerged that the FA do not plan any formal disciplinary action against the centre-back despite the breach of Rule A4.
Instead, Wembley beaks have reminded the Eagles of the kit regulations that are in place.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
