Manchester United abandoned plans for a LGBTQ+ initiative they have had in place for the past two seasons due to the refusal of a player, reports claim.
Premier League clubs have been supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign, in partnership with the Stonewall charity, in a bid to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was one of a host of captains to wear a special rainbow armband in the 4-0 win of Everton but it's emerged that another gesture was scrapped by United players.
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According to The Athletic, United's players were slated to wear a rainbow item of clothing for the third season running but summer signing Noussair Mazraoui refused to take part.
The former Bayern Munich defender told his teammates he did not wish to wear an Adidas pride jacket due to his Muslim faith and so the players decided none of them would wear it instead of Mazraoui being the only non-participant.
The decision was taken hours before the Sunday and the report claims not everyone in the United dressing room was happy with the statement.
In recent times United have warmed up with rainbow jerseys, as well as walking out with an Adidas jacket promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion.
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Although Ipswich captain Sam Morsy chose not to wear the armband and Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi has been the subject of a "formal reprimand" from the FA for writing religious messages, Fernandes told United's official website that he wears the armband as “a sign of respect” and so that LGBTQ+ fans “feel supported” by players they watch.
A United statement on the matter to The Athletic read: “Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and 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.
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“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.”
United have a deal with Adidas worth £900 million and the German manufacturer had produced a tracksuit jacket that was set to be worn until the decision was taken. The sportswear giant have yet to officially comment on the situation.
Mazraoui, who joined from Bayern in a £15 million deal, previously showed support on Instagram to his Morocco team-mate Zakaria Aboukhlal after he declined to take part in France’s Ligue One's rainbow campaign when he was at Toulouse.
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League
Josh Lawless