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Man United players abandoned plans to wear LGBTQ+ jackets after Noussair Mazraoui religious stance
Manchester United players abandoned plans to walk out in jackets in support of LGBTQ+ against Everton on Tuesday in unity with Noussair Mazraoui.
The Adidas outfits were to be worn as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign by the Premier League which aims to celebrate the ongoing commitment to inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ people in football. However, The Athletic journalist Adam Crafton has reported that the team opted not to wear the jackets as part of the walkout after defender Noussair Mazraoui cited his Muslim faith as the reason. The team then decided that no players would wear the tracksuit at all, so that Mazraoui would not be the only one seen publicly to be refusing to wear the jersey.
Crafton added that he understands not everyone in the dressing room was happy with the decision and Adidas, who have declined to comment, are also disappointed by the development. The team went out to beat Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford. Mazraoui has proved a popular signing with the Red Devils since his summer arrival from Bayern Munich. He was awarded the club's Player of the Month for November and is set to star in a back three for new manager Ruben Amorim.
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In a statement Manchester United said: “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.”
A statement in response by Rainbow Devils, the officially recognised LGBTQ+ supporters club of Manchester United, believed the refusal could have a "negative effect" on any player at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality. It reads: "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."
The latest clash between LGBTQ+ campaigns and Premier League footballers has been a hot topic in recent days. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has avoided formal action after defying an FA reminder over the rainbow armband. The Englishman wore the message ‘Jesus loves you’ on Tuesday despite the FA reminding him of their rules on religious messages. Elsewhere, Sam Morsy refused to wear a rainbow armband for Ipswich Town with the Egyptian midfielder opting out on religious grounds.
