Premier League captain refuses to wear LGBTQ+ rainbow armband

Premier League club Ipswich Town have confirmed their captain Sam Morsy refused to wear a LGBTQ+ rainbow armband for religious reasons.

The Premier League and its clubs celebrated LGBTQ+ inclusion during this weekend’s fixtures as part of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.

The league say the campaign has ‘played an important role in driving conversations around LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport since 2013’.

As part of the campaign, captains wore rainbow-coloured armbands and many players opted to wear rainbow-themed laces.

Ahead of the campaign, the Premier League said in a statement: ‘During this period, the League and clubs will showcase the work they carry out year-round to embed equality, diversity and inclusion in everything they do.

‘This includes a range of activities and content with players, managers and fans, as well as highlighting community and education initiatives designed to encourage discussion and promote allyship with LGBTQ+ communities.

‘By highlighting these initiatives, the League aims to create lasting change where everyone in the football community feels a sense of belonging.’

Ipswich captain Morsy was the only one of the 20 Premier League captains not to wear a rainbow armband over the weekend.

The club said they ‘respected his decision’, which is due to religious reasons, but stressed their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and said they ‘proudly support’ the Rainbow Laces campaign.

‘Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone,’ they said.

‘We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.

‘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.’

Morsy, who was born in Wolverhampton but represented Egypt through his father, has made 140 appearances for Ipswich since joining the club in 2021.

The defensive midfielder has also played for Middlesbrough, Barnsley, Wigan Athletic, Chesterfield Town and Port Vale.

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