Sam Morsy stood out as the only Premier League captain to decline wearing a Rainbow armband during Saturday’s return of the Rainbow Laces campaign.
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy declined to wear a Rainbow armband during his team’s defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, citing religious reasons. Mirror Football confirmed that Morsy, a practising Muslim, was the only Premier League captain to opt out of wearing the armband during the league’s Rainbow Laces campaign weekend.
The Rainbow Laces campaign, which has evolved significantly since its launch 11 years ago, promotes inclusion and equality for the LGBTQ+ community in sports. This year’s initiatives include Rainbow corner flags, laces, and captain’s armbands. Ipswich Town has reiterated its support for the campaign despite Morsy’s personal decision, emphasizing its commitment to fostering inclusivity.
A club spokesperson stated:
“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. At the same time, we respect our captain Sam Morsy’s decision not to wear the Rainbow armband due to his religious beliefs.”
The club has planned further initiatives, including a dedicated Rainbow Laces match against Crystal Palace and other promotional activities to highlight inclusivity.
Stonewall, the LGBTQ+ rights charity behind the campaign, recently highlighted the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face in sports. Their research revealed that 27% of LGBTQ+ individuals do not feel welcome in community sports, and 22% reported discrimination in fitness or sports groups. Discrimination extends to live sporting events, where 21% of LGBTQ+ attendees felt unwelcome, with the figures rising to 34% among ethnic minority LGBTQ+ individuals.
Ipswich Town continues to advocate for inclusivity while respecting individual beliefs, striving to create a welcoming environment for all.
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