The Daily FitPlay: Health, Sports & Entertainment Insights

Fitness. Sports. Entertainment. All in One Place

Manchester United’s LGBTQ+ team disappointed by players’ stance on rainbow jacket

Rachel07 mins


Manchester United’s LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Club has expressed its dismay at the players’ decision not to wear specially designed rainbow jackets ahead of Sunday’s match against Everton.

The Athletic reported this morning that United’s players opted against the move after Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui, who is Muslim, said he would not wear the jacket for religious reasons.

To avoid Mazraoui being sent off for criticism, the rest of the squad followed suit, although Athletic reported that not everyone in the dressing room was happy with the decision.

The Rainbow Devils, who teamed up with the club to help promote the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces initiatives at the weekend, said in a statement: “On this year’s Rainbow Laces campaign, the Rainbow Devils worked closely with – and had great support from – Manchester. United and the Fan Engagement team.

“This included working with the Manchester United Foundation to spread the message of inclusion with local schools, a Q&A with two Men’s first team players, messages of support from a number of Men’s and Women’s first team players (including an individual from the leader Bruno Fernandes). Even an event at Old Trafford on Sunday ahead of the game against Everton.

“On this last occasion, which was the official United Rainbow Laces match, the players had to wear specially designed jackets before the match to mark the occasion. Shortly before the game, the Rainbow Devils were informed that these jackets would not be worn. The reason was that one of the match day team had refused to wear the jacket due to their personal beliefs. Therefore, to maintain team morale and cohesion, none of the players would wear them.

“This was obviously a huge disappointment for the Rainbow Devils, but also for all those who had worked hard at the club to deliver this event. We know who that particular player is, but we don’t think it’s our role to single him out and risk spoiling all the other positive things the majority of the club have done.”

Attitude can have a bigger impact

The Rainbow Devils also said the players’ attitude could prevent a colleague from coming out.

The statement added: “We respect this player’s right to have his own views, while we also feel disappointed that he put the rest of the team in a position where they felt they could not wear their jackets. We are also concerned about what kind of negative impact this incident may have on any players at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality.

“The Rainbow Devils will continue to work with Manchester United to support inclusion, through the One Love initiative and others, as we all continue our work to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people feel safe and welcome at Old Trafford, both within as well as off the field”.

This year’s Rainbow Laces campaign attracted more reactions than in previous years.

Ipswich captain Sam Morsi refused to wear the rainbow armband on religious grounds, while Crystal Palace skipper Mark Gwehi was reprimanded by the Football Association for writing ‘I love Jesus’ on his.

In a statement to The Athletic, United said it was “strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion” but that “players are entitled to their own individual views, particularly in relation to their faith, and these sometimes they may differ from the club’s position.”

Mazrawi scolded by Bayern fans

This is not the first time Mazraoui has taken this stance on initiatives surrounding the LGBTQ+ community.

In 2023, the defender showed support for Moroccan team-mate Zakaria Aboukhlal after he refused to take part in the Ligue 1 equivalent of the Rainbow Laces campaign while playing for Toulouse.

Mazrawi was criticized by fans of his then club, Bayern Munich, who put up a banner that read: “All colors are beautiful. In Toulouse, in Munich and everywhere. Respect our values ​​Mazraoui!’



Related News