Manchester United Dumps LGBTQ Rainbow Jacket After Noussair Mazraoui Refused To Wear It

Manchester United reportedly decided to scrap plans for players to wear LGBT rainbow jackets before their match against Everton.

The decision was made after Moroccan defender, Noussair Mazraoui refused to participate, citing his religious beliefs.

The club disclosed this just hours before the game to avoid singling out Mazraoui, a devout Muslim, after he expressed discomfort with wearing the pride-themed attire.

As a result, the entire initiative was canceled, reportedly causing disappointment among some teammates.

For two years, Manchester United has supported the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign by using pride-themed gear during pre-match activities.

Despite this year’s disruption, the club reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusion in a statement, saying:

“Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. We remain 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+ fan group, expressed disappointment over the situation.

In a post on social media, they praised the club for its ongoing efforts to support the campaign but highlighted their dismay at the last-minute change.

The group noted that while the club worked hard to promote inclusivity, Mazraoui’s decision forced the squad to forgo wearing the jackets to preserve team unity.

The Rainbow Devils added that while they respect Mazraoui’s personal beliefs, they remain concerned about the potential impact on players who may be struggling with their sexuality.

The organisation wrote: “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).

“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.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy also declined to wear the LGBTQ rainbow armband for similar religious reasons.