Manchester United ‘Scrap Plan To Wear Rainbow Jacket After Muslim Player Refused To Wear It’

Manchester United have reportedly abandoned plans to wear LGBT rainbow jackets before their match against Everton after Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui declined to take part in the promotion.

The decision was made just hours before kick-off, and Mazraoui, a devout Muslim, cited his religious convictions as the reason for not donning the pride-themed gear.

In reaction to Mazraoui’s viewpoint, the club decided to cancel the entire effort rather than single out the player publicly.

This event is part of United’s two-year practice of wearing pride-themed jerseys during pre-match warm-ups to support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces initiative. According to reports, some teammates are dissatisfied with the conclusion of the incident.

In a statement today, Manchester United said the club ‘welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community’, adding: “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.”

Rainbow Devils, United’s LGBT fan group, responded this morning, expressing their disappointment with the summer acquisition.

In a post on X, the organisation wrote: “As part of this year’s Rainbow Laces campaign, Rainbow Devils worked closely with – and had great support from – Manchester United and the Fan Engagement team.

“This has included working with the Manchester United Foundation to spread the message of inclusivity with local schools, to a Q&A with two Men’s first team players, to supportive messages from many Men and Women first team players (including an individual one from captain Bruno Fernandes).

“On this latter occasion, which was United’s official Rainbow Laces game, the players were due to wear specially designed jackets pre-match to mark the occasion. Shortly before the game, Rainbow Devils was informed that these jackets would not be worn.

“The reason being that one of the matchday squad had refused to wear the jacket on the grounds of their personally held beliefs. Therefore, to maintain the team ethos and togetherness, none of the players would be wearing them.”