Manchester United stopped an initiative for the LGBTQ+ community due to Noussair Mazraoui’s refusal based on religious grounds.
The Red Devils were set to wear a special adidas jacket before Sunday’s Premier League match at Old Trafford against Everton, according to The Athletic. The initiative aimed to showcase solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, a move that would have further highlighted the club’s commitment to inclusivity. However, those plans were dropped after Mazraoui refused to take part, citing his Muslim faith. In light of this decision, it was determined that no players would wear the outfit, ensuring that Mazraoui was not singled out, even though “not everyone” in the dressing room was happy with this resolution. Kit manufacturer adidas is also reportedly “disappointed” at this unexpected turn of events, underscoring the growing tension surrounding sports, faith, and inclusivity.
Premier League clubs had been striving to demonstrate support for the LGBTQ+ community over the weekend through the Rainbow Laces campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity in football. Manchester United has previously embraced similar initiatives, having worn customized kits to promote the campaign. Prominent players such as Bruno Fernandes, Jonny Evans, and Harry Maguire have all voiced their commitment to inclusivity, emphasizing the need for every fan associated with the club to feel respected and welcomed, irrespective of their identity.
In response to the incident, United’s LGBT fan group, Rainbow Devils, expressed their stance in a statement: “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. This situation raises concerns about the potential negative impact it could have on any player at the club who may be grappling with their sexuality.” They pledged to continue their efforts with Manchester United, working through initiatives like One Love, striving to ensure that all LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe and welcomed at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch.
In a subsequent response to The Athletic, Manchester United reaffirmed their commitment to diversity and inclusion: “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 while combating all forms of discrimination.”
The Rainbow Laces campaign has received significant media coverage recently, especially after Ipswich captain Sam Morsy chose not to wear a Rainbow armband due to his religious beliefs, with the club supporting his decision. Additionally, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi faces scrutiny for writing “Jesus loves you” on his armband, sparking discussions about faith in sports and the challenges of inclusivity. These events underscore the ongoing complexities and conflicts regarding inclusivity in sports when personal beliefs are involved.
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