LGBTQ people are upset that the Manchester United team does not wear rainbow jackets

Manchester United’s independent LGBTQ supporters organization has voiced its displeasure that players did not don specially made jackets to commemorate the team’s official Rainbow Laces game prior to Sunday’s victory over Everton at home.

After one player refused to participate, citing his own personal religious convictions, the plans for the team to wear the Adidas warm-up jackets were shelved. The Rainbow Devils, a fan group, had collaborated with the club on the event to support the LGBTQ community.

The group claimed in a statement on Wednesday that Rainbow Devils “was informed shortly before the game that these jackets would not be worn.”

The explanation for this was that one of the teams from the match day had declined to wear the jacket due to personal convictions. Therefore, none of the players would be wearing them in order to preserve the team’s unity and culture.

“This was obviously a great disappointment to Rainbow Devils, but also to all those who had worked hard at the club to deliver this event.”

Rainbow Devils stated that they will keep collaborating with the team on diversity through the One Love campaign and that they recognized the players’ right to hold their own opinions.
The team maintained its support for diversity but refused to name the player who refused to wear the jacket.

“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,” the club stated in a statement.

“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,” they stated.

Sam Morsy, the captain of Ipswich Town and a devout Muslim, chose not to wear a rainbow armband for Tuesday’s match against Crystal Palace and Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest.

Ipswich supported the choice made by Egyptian Morsy.

“We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance,” the club stated in a statement.

“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.”

During Saturday’s play against Newcastle United, Palace captain Marc Guehi scribbled “I love Jesus” and “Jesus loves you” on his armband, a religious statement.