Sam Morsy, Ipswich captain, was the only Premier League skipper to decline wearing the Rainbow armband during Saturday’s loss to Nottingham Forest.
The FA has not ruled out the possibility of punishing Ipswich captain Sam Morsy after he refused to wear a Rainbow armband during Saturday’s loss to Nottingham Forest.
Morsy’s decision, as revealed by *Mirror Football*, stemmed from his religious beliefs. The Rainbow Laces campaign, aimed at promoting LGBT+ inclusion in football, has been running for 11 years. Recent research from Stonewall highlights ongoing challenges, with 21% of LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing discrimination at live sports events in the past year.
Morsy was the only Premier League captain to forgo the armband over the weekend. While the FA has refrained from commenting on the matter, it has not ruled out disciplinary action against the midfielder.
Ipswich Town defended Morsy’s decision, emphasizing the club’s commitment to inclusivity. A spokesperson stated:
“Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone. We proudly support the Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.
“A range of initiatives are planned for Tuesday’s home game with Crystal Palace, including a stadium screen takeover before kickoff. At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain, Sam Morsy, who chose not to wear the rainbow armband due to his religious beliefs.”
Ipswich’s LGBT+ supporters group, Rainbow Tractors, expressed disappointment over Morsy’s decision while acknowledging his religious stance.
“While we were aware in advance, we are disappointed that Sam Morsy chose not to support the Rainbow Laces campaign. It’s an important initiative for fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion in football, but we respect his beliefs,” the group stated.
In a related issue, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi could also face an FA charge after writing “I love Jesus” on his Rainbow armband during the Newcastle game. The Laws of the Game allow initiatives like Rainbow Laces but prohibit political, religious, or personal slogans on football kits.
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