Man United Scrapped Plans to Wear LGBTQ+ Jacket After Player Objected

Manchester United abandoned plans to wear a jacket supporting the LGBTQ+ community before Sunday’s win over Everton because a player refused to wear it.

The player declined to take part in the initiative, citing his Muslim faith. United declined to confirm the identity of the player.

LGBTQ+ supporters’ club Rainbow Devils said it was a “great disappointment” but United said players are “entitled to hold their own individual opinions”.

Rainbow armbands are being worn as Premier League clubs show support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport by taking part in charity Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.

Meanwhile, the English Football Association will not take formal action against Crystal Palace or club captain Marc Guehi after the defender again displayed a religious message on his kit.

The England centre-back was reminded about the FA’s regulations over religious messaging after writing “I love Jesus” on his rainbow captain’s armband for Saturday’s match against Newcastle United at Selhurst Park.

Guehi ignored the reminder and displayed a ‘Jesus loves you’ message on his armband during Tuesday night’s win against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

FA rules prohibit the “appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message”.

Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy did not wear a rainbow armband in Saturday’s Premier League defeat at Nottingham Forest or Tuesday’s loss to Guehi’s Palace at Portman Road.

The club said his decision was because of his “religious beliefs”.