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LGBTQ+ supporters' club Manchester United have expressed their disappointment at the players' decision not to wear specially designed rainbow jackets ahead of Sunday's game against Everton.
Athletic announced this morning that United's players had decided against the move after Morocco defender Nousair Mazraoui, who is Muslim, said he would not wear the jacket on religious grounds.
To avoid Mazraoui being singled out for criticism, other members of the squad followed his lead, although Athletic reported that not everyone in the dressing room was happy with the decision.
Statement from Rainbow Devils after @AdamCrafton_ article in @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/zSoBBdydEm
β Rainbow Devils (@RainbowDevils) December 4, 2024
The Rainbow Devils, who worked with the club to help promote the Premier League's Rainbow Laces initiatives over the weekend, said in a statement: “As part of this year's Rainbow Laces campaign, the Rainbow Devils worked closely with β and had great support from β Manchester. United and the Fan Engagement team.
“This included working with the Manchester United Foundation to spread the message of inclusivity with local schools, to Q&As with two men's first team players, to messages of support from many men's and women's first team players (including an individual from the captain Bruno Fernandes). Even a pitchside event at Old Trafford on Sunday before the Everton game.
βOn this latest occasion, which was United's official Rainbow Laces game, the players were required to wear specially designed jackets before the game to mark the occasion. Shortly before the game, the Rainbow Devils received word that these jackets would not be worn. The reason is that one of the match team refused to wear the jacket based on their personal beliefs. Therefore, to maintain team ethos and togetherness, none of the players would wear them.
“This was obviously a huge disappointment for the Rainbow Devils, but also for all those who worked hard at the club to put on this event. We are aware of who the player concerned is but feel it is not our role to single him out and risk spoiling all the other positive things that most of those at the club have done.
The Rainbow Devils also said the players' attitude could prevent a teammate from going out.
The statement added: “We respect this player's right to have his views, while we also feel disappointed that he put the rest of the team in a position where they felt they could not wear their jackets. We are also concerned about the negative effect this incident may have on any player at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality.
“The Rainbow Devils will continue to work with Manchester United to support inclusivity, through the One Love initiative and others, as we all continue our work to ensure all LGBTQ+ people feel safe and welcome at Old Trafford.” , both on and off the field.
π¬ “Always have a smile on your face.”@HarryMaguire93 gives advice for future generations in his recent interview with @RainbowDevils π#MUFC
β Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 3, 2024
This year's Rainbow Laces campaign attracted more press than in previous years.
Ipswich captain Sam Morsey refused to wear the rainbow armband on religious grounds, while Crystal Palace captain Mark Guehy was reprimanded by the Football Association for writing 'I love Jesus' on his.
In a statement to The Athletic, United said they were “strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion” but that “players are entitled to their individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the position of the club.”
Proud to support him @PremierLeagueis #RainbowLaces campaign β€οΈπ³οΈβπ#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/x2R4DzxdG3
β Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 1, 2024
It is not the first time Mazraoui has taken this stance on initiatives surrounding the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2023, the defender showed support for Moroccan team-mate Zakaria Abouhlal after he refused to take part in the Ligue 1 equivalent of the Rainbow Lass campaign while playing for Toulouse.
Mazraoui received criticism from fans of his then-club Bayern Munich, who displayed a banner that read: “All colors are beautiful. In Toulouse, Munich and everywhere. Respect our Mazraoui values!β