The Rainbow Laces campaign organized by the Premier League, which aims to promote the integration of the LGBTQ + community, did not please everyone. Although he was due to wear a symbolic rainbow armband this Saturday, Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy refused to do so. According to Mirror Football, religious reasons guided this choice. The 33-year-old Egyptian international is the only captain in the English championship not to wear the armband.
If the midfielder, a practicing Muslim, refused to participate in this initiative, his club wanted to express its support for the LGBTQ + community. “Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone. We are proud to support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and we stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community to promote equality and acceptance,” said the English club’s spokesperson.
The promoted person nevertheless respects his captain’s decision. “Other initiatives are planned for Tuesday’s home match against Crystal Palace, including a takeover of the stadium’s giant screen in the moments before kick-off,” he said. 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. We will continue to develop an environment where everyone is valued and respected, both on and off the field. »
Rainbow Tractors, Ipswich’s LGBTQ+ supporters group, deplored the choice, although they will continue to support Sam Morsy. “Rainbow Laces is a great campaign that supports LGBTQ+ inclusion and is important to fans and players in the community who need to know they are welcome in football,” the group said. However, we continue to respect his religious beliefs, as we have in previous seasons. »
