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4th December 2024
11:15am GMT
Manchester United abandoned plans to wear Adidas jackets in support of the LGBTQ+ community after Noussair Mazraoui refused to take part, according to reports.
United were due to wear the pride-themed jackets ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against Everton, as the league takes part in Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign.
The campaign is designed for Premier League teams to show their support for the LBGTQ+ community and runs from 29 November to 5 December.
However, United abandoned the plans for the walk-out jacket at Old Trafford after Mazraoui told his teammates he would not wear the item of clothing.
The Morocco international cited his Muslim faith as the reason he wouldn't wear the jacket.
As a result, the team decided none of them would wear the jacket so that Mazraoui wasn't singled out.
According to the Athletic, this was decided just hours before the match and not everyone in the dressing room was happy with the decision.
In previous years, United have worn similar pride-themed Adidas tracksuits to mark the Rainbow Laces campaign.
A source with knowledge of the matter told the Athletic the sportswear giant was "disappointed" by the development.
United said in a statement that the club “welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion."
They continued: “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.”
Mazraoui isn't the only Premier League player to have refused to wear a rainbow-themed item during the campaign.
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsey refused to wear a rainbow captain's armband for both of his side's matches during the campaign for religious reasons.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was warned by the FA after he wrote 'Jesus loves you' and 'I love Jesus' on his armband for his side's matches against Newcastle and Ipswich.
The fast approaching of the Christmas season means only one thing for football fans, an absolutely jam-packed schedule of festive footy action to light up those dark winter evenings.
However, not every fan will be aware that many of the games will not be available on the usual sports broadcasters but instead can be viewed on Amazon Prime in the UK for a bumper deal featuring a whopping 20 Premier League clashes, including Arsenal vs Manchester United, Newcastle vs Liverpool and Manchester City vs Nottingham Forrest.
Sign up to a free Amazon Prime trial here and don't miss a second of the action.
In Ireland, fans can watch the above matches on Premier Sports. For more information, click here.
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