Man Utd 'abandoned' plans for team to wear pro-LGBTQ+ jacket against Everton after one player 'refused' to join initiative
Updated 10:58 4 Dec 2024 GMTPublished 10:51 4 Dec 2024 GMT
Manchester United have had the initiative for the past two seasons but have scrapped it this year due to one player refusing to participate.
Manchester United abandoned plans for a LGBTQ+ initiative they have had in place for the past two seasons due to the refusal of a player, reports claim.
Premier League clubs have been supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign, in partnership with the Stonewall charity, in a bid to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was one of a host of captains to wear a special rainbow armband in the 4-0 win of Everton but it's emerged that another gesture was scrapped by United players.
According to The Athletic, United's players were slated to wear a rainbow item of clothing for the third season running but summer signing Noussair Mazraoui refused to take part.
The former Bayern Munich told his teammates he did not wish to wear an Adidas pride jacket due to his Muslim faith and so the players decided none of them would wear it instead of Mazraoui being the only non-participant.
The decision was taken hours before the Sunday and the report claims not everyone in the United dressing room was happy with the statement.
In recent times United have warmed up with rainbow jerseys, as well as walking out with an Adidas jacket promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion.
A United statement on the matter to The Athletic read: “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 and combat all forms of discrimination.
“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.”
More to follow...
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Topics: Manchester United, Premier League