Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy has again declined to wear the Premier League’s LGBTQ rainbow armband. It comes after Ipswich said it respected Morsy’s decision not to wear it due to his “religious beliefs.”

During the Premier League’s Rainbow campaign, captains wear rainbow armbands, players sport rainbow laces, and clubs display rainbow corner flags.

Morsy did not wear the armband for Tuesday’s game against Crystal Palace, having not worn it during the defeat to Nottingham Forest over the weekend. The opposing captain, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, also caused controversy for writing ‘Jesus loves you’ on his rainbow armband.

The FA had already told Guehi that religious messaging on kits is prohibited after he wrote ‘I love Jesus’ on his rainbow armband during Saturday’s game against Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Manchester United shelved plans to wear a rainbow-themed jacket before their win over Everton on Sunday after defender Noussair Mazraoui declined to participate, citing his Muslim faith, according to The Athletic.

The incidents sparked criticism from some quarters but others praised the players for standing by their convictions. Many advocated for understanding, arguing that true inclusion involves respecting everyone’s choices and beliefs.

After Tuesday’s game, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “We want to be inclusive club and are working really hard on that. At the same time the club has respected Sammy’s individual decision based on his religious beliefs.”

The Premier League confirmed to Mirror Football that Morsy, who has been a vocal supporter of Palestine, would face no punishment. It is not compulsory for captains to wear the armbands. 

Ipswich’s nuanced stance about respecting Morsy’s decision due to his “religious beliefs” drew praise from Muslims.

“Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone. We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance,” a club spokesperson said following the weekend game.

“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.

“A range of further initiatives are planned around Tuesday’s home game with Crystal Palace, including a takeover of the stadium’s big screen in the moments prior to kick-off.

“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.”

Although Ipswich Town LGBTQ+ supporters’ group Rainbow Tractors said it was “disappointed” Morsy did not wear the rainbow armband, they said they “respect his religious beliefs as we have done in previous seasons.”

Call for nuanced approach to diversity and inclusion

Writing on social media platform X , diversity and inclusion consultant and former FA advisor Liz Ward said people should “apply a little critical thought amidst this conflict.”

“I wish we would have a little empathy for the conflict that some of these players find themselves in,” she said about players refusing to highlight LGBT issues. 

On captains refusing to wear the armbands, she understands that “individuals will have views and beliefs” and won’t want to wear armbands and suggested that another player can take the armband for that particular game. “I don’t think that’s controversial,” she added. 

Other people on social media also showed their support of Morsy’s decision.

Faith vs Pride in sports

There have been other similar situations in the past.

Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic, also a Muslim, did not wear the armband when captaining the Blades during their Premier League defeat by Liverpool last season.

Current Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was left out of Paris St-Germain’s squad for two consecutive seasons due to his apparent refusal to wear rainbow-themed kit, while five players from Toulouse and Nantes missed their respective club matches in 2023 for similar reasons.

It has been an issue in other sports too. In 2022, Australian Football League Women’s player Haneen Zreika opted out of the competition’s Pride Round, citing her faith.

“As the first Australian Muslim woman in the AFLW, I have a responsibility to represent my faith and my community,” she said.  

Zreika, who is a practising Muslim, said she respects people regardless of their orientation but has “ a responsibility to represent my faith and my community.” 

“Inclusion is about creating a space where people are able to respect their right to choose how they live their life as long as they don’t advocate hate and division,” she added, describing her choice as “difficult” and expressing appreciation for the support of her league and team.