Manchester United Abandons LGBTQ+ Jacket Initiative After Player Refuses to Participate

Manchester United decided to abandon plans to wear a jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community before their 4-0 win over Everton on Sunday, following a player’s refusal to participate.

According to The Athletic, defender Noussair Mazraoui, a recent £15m signing from Bayern Munich, declined to wear the jacket, citing his Muslim faith.

United did not confirm the identity of the player when approached by BBC Sport, and Mazraoui’s agent also declined to comment on the matter.

The decision to withdraw the initiative has disappointed LGBTQ+ supporters’ club Rainbow Devils, but Manchester United issued a statement affirming that players are entitled to hold their own personal opinions. The statement added, “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.”

The club had planned to wear the jacket as part of the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign, which promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport. Instead, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes wore a rainbow armband during the match.

According to The Athletic, Mazraoui communicated to his teammates that he would not wear the jacket, leading the team to decide that no player would wear it, ensuring Mazraoui wouldn’t be singled out for his refusal.

Manchester United reiterated their strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, highlighting their ongoing support for the Rainbow Devils supporters’ club and their efforts to combat discrimination.

The club has previously shown support for the LGBTQ+ community by wearing rainbow-themed warm-up kits.