Manager Kieran McKenna giving Sam Morsy instructions
Manager Kieran McKenna giving Sam Morsy instructions
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has claimed his side are working hard to be an inclusive club after captain Sam Morsy did not wear a Rainbow captain's armband against Crystal Palace.
It is the second game in succession that Morsy has declined to sport the armband after avoiding the show of support for the Rainbow Laces campaign against Nottingham Forest. The midfielder's decision is due to religious reasons.
The Rainbow Laces campaign seeks to show support for the LGBT+ community within football. Research from Stonewall has found one in five LGBTQ+ people who attended a live sporting event in the last 12 months felt discriminated against because of being LGBTQ+.
Morsy, a practising Muslim, has faced accusations of hypocrisy having previously worn shirts sponsored by gambling companies. Gambling is forbidden in Islamic law.
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Following defeat to Crystal Palace, McKenna outlined the club's positon.
"We want to be inclusive club and are working really hard on that," he said. "At the same time the club has respected Sammy's individual decision based on his religious beliefs."
The Premier League and FA confirmed on Tuesday that they would take no action against Morsy over his decision. The Egypt international was the only captain in the division to wear the usual captain's armband.
Sam Morsy wearing his plain captain armband during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Crystal Palace
Sam Morsy wearing his plain captain armband during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Crystal Palace
In a statement to Mirror Football, an Ipswich Town spokesperson explained Morsy's stance following the first instance against Forest. They 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.
"A range of further initiatives are planned around Tuesday’s home game with Crystal Palace, including a takeover of the stadium's big screen in the moments prior to kick-off.
"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."
The game at Portman Road saw Palace skipper Marc Guehi once again wear a rainbow armband referencing his religion. The England international received a formal reprimand after modifying his armband against Newcastle with the writing 'I love Jesus', against Ipswich the writing 'Jesus [heart] you' was used.
The FA contacted Palace and Guehi to 'formally remind' them the appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message is prohibited as stated in Rule A4 of the kit and advertising regulations, after Saturday's game.
Law 4 of the FA's Laws of the Game allow 'initiative slogans/emblems promoting the game of football, respect and integrity,' such as Rainbow Laces, but forbid 'political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images;.
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