Manchester United LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Membership has expressed its disappointment within the gamers’ choice to not put on specially-created rainbow jackets previous to Sunday’s recreation in opposition to Everton.
The Athletic reported this morning that United’s gamers opted in opposition to the transfer after Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui, who’s Muslim, mentioned he wouldn’t put on the jacket on non secular grounds.
To keep away from Mazraoui being singled out for criticism, the opposite members of the squad adopted his lead, though the Athletic reported not everybody within the dressing room was proud of the choice.
An announcement from Rainbow Devils following the @AdamCrafton_ article in @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/zSoBBdydEm
— Rainbow Devils (@RainbowDevils) December 4, 2024
The Rainbow Devils, who labored with the membership in serving to promote the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces initiatives over the weekend, mentioned in a press release: “As a part of this yr’s Rainbow Laces marketing campaign, Rainbow Devils labored intently with – and had nice assist from – Manchester United and the Fan Engagement workforce.
“This has included working with the Manchester United Basis to unfold the message of inclusivity with native faculties, to a Q&A with two Males’s first workforce gamers, to supportive messages from many Males and Ladies first workforce gamers [including an individual one from captain Bruno Fernandes]. Even a pitchside occasion at Outdated Trafford on Sunday forward of the Everton recreation.
“On this latter event, which was United’s official Rainbow Laces recreation, the gamers have been because of put on specifically designed jackets pre-match to mark the event. Shortly earlier than the sport, Rainbow Devils was knowledgeable that these jackets wouldn’t be worn. The reason is that one of many matchday squad had refused to put on the jacket on the grounds of their personally held beliefs. Subsequently, to take care of the workforce ethos and togetherness, not one of the gamers can be sporting them.
“This was clearly a fantastic disappointment to Rainbow Devils, but additionally to all those that had labored onerous on the membership to ship this occasion. We’re conscious of who the participant involved is, however we really feel it isn’t our position to single him out, and danger spoiling all the opposite constructive issues that almost all of these on the membership have executed.”
Stance could have a better affect
The Rainbow Devils additionally mentioned the gamers’ stance may stop a colleague from popping out.
The assertion added: “We respect the precise of this participant to have his personal views, while additionally feeling dissatisfied that he put the remainder of the squad right into a place the place they felt that they couldn’t put on their jackets. We additionally fear what sort of unfavourable impact this incident might need on any participant on the membership who could also be battling their sexuality.
“Rainbow Devils will proceed to work with Manchester United to assist inclusivity, by the One Love initiative and others, as all of us proceed our work to make sure all LGBTQ+ folks really feel protected and welcome at Outdated Trafford, each on and off the pitch.”
💬 “At all times have a smile in your face.”@HarryMaguire93 imparts recommendation for future generations in his current interview with @RainbowDevils 👇#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 3, 2024
This yr’s Rainbow Laces marketing campaign has attracted extra pushback than in earlier years.
Ipswich captain Sam Morsy refused to put on the rainbow armband on non secular grounds whereas Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi was reprimanded by the Soccer Affiliation for writing ‘I really like Jesus’ on his.
In a press release to The Athletic, United mentioned they have been “strongly dedicated to the rules of variety and inclusion,” however that “gamers are entitled to carry their very own particular person opinions, notably in relation to their religion, and these could generally differ from the membership’s place.”
Proud to assist the @PremierLeague‘s #RainbowLaces marketing campaign ❤️🏳️🌈#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/x2R4DzxdG3
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 1, 2024
Mazraoui rebuked by Bayern followers
It’s not the primary time Mazraoui has taken this stance on initiatives across the LGBTQ+ group.
In 2023, the defender confirmed assist for Morocco team-mate Zakaria Aboukhlal after he refused to participate within the Ligue 1 equal of the Rainbow Laces marketing campaign whereas enjoying for Toulouse.
Mazraoui acquired criticism from followers of his then membership Bayern Munich, who displayed a banner that learn: “All colors are stunning. In Toulouse, Munich and all over the place. Respect our values Mazraoui!”
