Mazraoui refused to wear pro-LGBTQ+ jacket forcing club to scrap pre-match plans

MANCHESTER UNITED players abandoned their plans to wear a jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community after Noussair Mazraoui refused to join the initiative.

United were set to don an Adidas jacket for Sunday's Premier League match against Everton at Old Trafford, where Ruben Amorim's side recorded a 4-0 victory.

For the past two seasons during the Rainbow Laces period, Man Utd have worn a pride-themed jersey to warm up before matches and a jacket with a similar design when going out for a match.

That's when Premier League teams are asked to support the LGBTQ+ community.

However, according to The Athletic, the Red Devils decided not to wear the run-out jacket as 27-year-old Mazraoui told his teammates he did not want to wear it due to his Muslim faith.

The team decided that no player would wear it so that the fullback would not be the only one to publicly refuse to put it on.

The team's decision was made just hours before the match against Everton.

The same source claims that not everyone in the dressing room was happy with the decision.

It has also been reported that Adidas is disappointed with the development after United players previously supported the initiative before matches in previous years.

Nevertheless, captain Bruno Fernandes wore the rainbow armband, reflecting the club's support for the Rainbow Laces campaign.

Several men's and women's first team players such as Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans also took part in video content showing their support for the campaign.

The United captain described wearing his rainbow-colored armband as “a sign of respect” that makes LGBTQ+ fans “feel supported” by the players.

Man Utd issued the following statement: “Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusivity.

“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 fight all forms of discrimination.

“Players have the right to have their own individual views, especially in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club's position.”

The Rainbow Devils, United's LGBTQ+ Supporters Club, released a statement in response to Mazraoui's stance.

It said: “As part of this year's Rainbow Laces campaign, Rainbow Devils worked closely with – and received 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 first team players men's and women's teams (including an individual from captain Bruno Fernandes).

“Even an on-pitch event at Old Trafford on Sunday ahead of the match against Everton. On this latest occasion, United's official Rainbow Laces match, the players had to wear specially designed jackets before the match to celebrate the occasion.

“Shortly before the match, Rainbow Devils was informed that these jackets would not be worn. The reason for this was that someone from the match selection had refused to wear the jacket based on their personal beliefs.

“To maintain team ethos and cohesion, none of the players would wear them.

“This was obviously a big disappointment for Rainbow Devils, but also for everyone who worked hard at the club to make this event a reality.

“We are aware who the player involved is, but we feel it is not our role to single him out and risk spoiling all the other positive things that the majority of the club have done.

“We respect this player's right to have his own opinion but are also disappointed that he put the rest of the squad in a position where they felt they could not carry their coats.

“We are also concerned about the negative effect this incident could have on players at the club who are struggling with their sexuality.

“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 at and off the field.

Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, who is also a practicing Muslim, also refused to wear a rainbow armband during his club's two Rainbow Laces matches for religious reasons.

And Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi was reminded of playing equipment rules by the Football Association after writing a religious message on his.

Guehi, 24, a devout Christian, was warned by the FA not to repeat his actions after writing 'I love Jesus' on his armband ahead of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

And on Tuesday the Palace skipper ignored the warning when he wrote “Jesus loves you” on his armband during the 1-0 win over Ipswich.

However, it has emerged that the FA is not planning any formal disciplinary action against the centre-back despite the breach of Rule A4.

Instead, Wembley beaks have reminded the Eagles of the kit rules in force.