Manchester United has reportedly cancelled its plans to wear LGBT rainbow jackets ahead of their match against Everton after Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui refused to participate in the campaign due to his religious beliefs as a devout Muslim.
This decision, made just hours before kick-off, was taken to avoid singling out Mazraoui publicly. The club has traditionally supported the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign by wearing pride-themed jerseys during pre-match warm-ups for the past two years. However, this incident has left some teammates unhappy with the outcome.
In a statement, Manchester United expressed that the club “welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community,” emphasizing their strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. They highlighted their dedication through various activities, including support for the Rainbow Devils supporters’ club and campaigns that celebrate LGBTQ+ fans while combating all forms of discrimination.
The statement also acknowledged that players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly regarding their faith, which may sometimes differ from the club’s position.
This morning, United’s LGBT fan group, Rainbow Devils, expressed their disappointment in Mazraoui’s decision. In a post on X, they said: “As part of this year’s Rainbow Laces campaign, Rainbow Devils worked closely with—and received strong support from—Manchester United and the Fan Engagement team.”
