Ipswich supports Morsy’s choice to forgo wearing a rainbow armband

Ipswich Town has defended Egypt international Sam Morsy after he did not don the rainbow armband during Saturday’s English Premier League game against Nottingham Forest.

The armbands are being worn as part of the Premier League’s “Rainbow Laces” campaign to promote members of the LGBTQ+ community in football and beyond. The defensive midfielder, who was born in Wolverhampton, England, is a devout Muslim.

The following statement was released by Morsy’s club when it was revealed that he was the only Premier League captain to not wear the rainbow armband throughout the games that were played between Friday, November 29, and Sunday, December 1.

“Ipswich Town Football Club is dedicated to welcoming everyone and being a completely inclusive club. We stand with the LGBTQ+ community in advocating for equality and inclusion, and we are happy to endorse the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign,” the club said in a statement.

“The club’s men’s and women’s first teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session during this year’s campaign, and prior to Saturday’s match, the club and Nottingham Forest jointly pledged solidarity and inclusivity.

However, we appreciate our captain Sam Morsy’s decision to forgo the rainbow captain’s armband because of his religious convictions. On and off the field, we will keep fostering an atmosphere where everyone is recognized and valued.