Ipswich's Sam Morsy was the only Premier League captain who refused to wear the Rainbow armband in support of LGBTQ+ rights over the weekend.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Rainbow Laces made a return to the PLMorsy refused to wear a Rainbow armbandIpswich provided clarificationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Clubs were promoting inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community over the weekend through the Rainbow Laces campaign. This campaign, which has been at the forefront of combating homophobia and promoting equality in sports for over a decade, featured players wearing rainbow-coloured captain’s armbands and laces, while the corner flags were in the same colours.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
While 19 captains sported the Rainbow armband over the weekend, Morsy declined to participate, citing his religious beliefs. The 32-year-old midfielder is a practising Muslim, and Ipswich Town has confirmed that his decision stems from his faith.
WHAT IPSWICH SAID
In a statement, Ipswich said: "Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone. We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.
"During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first-teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of Saturday’s game.
"At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs. We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch."
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
Despite the progress made through initiatives like Rainbow Laces, discrimination remains a pressing issue for LGBTQ+ individuals in sports. A recent study revealed that 21% of LGBTQ+ fans attending live sporting events in the past year experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation. Alarmingly, that figure rises to 34% for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic LGBTQ+ individuals.
