Controversy arose in the Premier League this weekend as captains donned rainbow armbands in support of the LGBTQ+ community. While the league organized a campaign to back the cause, Ipswich captain Sam Morsy opted not to follow suit.
His club, Ipswich Town, released a statement expressing respect for Morsy’s decision while reaffirming their support for inclusivity: “Ipswich Town Football Club is dedicated to being a fully inclusive organization that welcomes everyone. We are proud to support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.”
“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband due to his religious beliefs. We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”
“During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first teams visited our foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of Saturday’s game.”
Sam Morsy, of Ipswich Town, refused to wear a rainbow armband on the weekend as it clashed with his 'religious beliefs' as a Muslim, which @IpswichTown were happy to allow.
Here he is wearing a logo for a gambling company. Disgraceful stuff from Town. pic.twitter.com/ZbzKIXyETs
— Tim Masters (@TimMEsports) December 2, 2024
Another notable instance involved Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who wore the rainbow armband supporting the LGBTQ+ community but added the phrase “I love Jesus” with a marker. The England international, known for his deep Christian faith, chose to incorporate his personal beliefs into the gesture.
The British media has reported that Marc Guehi may face sanctions for inscribing “I love Jesus” on his armband, as FA regulations permit certain “initiative slogans or emblems,” like the weekend’s ‘Rainbow Laces’ campaign, but expressly ban “political, religious, or personal slogans, statements, or images.”
Interestingly, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace are set to face off on Tuesday afternoon in a Premier League clash as part of the 14th round of fixtures.
The incidents involving Sam Morsy and Marc Guehi are not the first instances of players opting out of the Premier League’s rainbow armband initiative in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Last season, Sheffield United captain Anel Ahmedhodžić became the first in seven years to decline wearing the armband. The Bosnian international, who has since retired from the national team, did not provide an official explanation for his decision at the time.
Read More: Cristiano Ronaldo-Less Al-Nassr Losses First AFC Champions League Match This Season
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
Home