Manchester United players abandoned plans to wear LGBTQ+ jackets after Noussair Mazraoui religious stance

Manchester United players abandoned plans to walk out in jackets in support of LGBTQ+ against Everton in unity with teammate Noussair Mazraoui.

The Adidas outfits were to be worn as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign by the Premier League which aims to celebrate the ongoing commitment to inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ people in football. However, The Athletic journalist Adam Crafton has reported that the team opted not to wear the jackets as part of the walkout after defender Noussair Mazraoui cited his Muslim faith as the reason. The team then decided that no players would wear the tracksuit at all, so that Mazraoui would not be the only one seen publicly to be refusing to wear the jersey.

Crafton added that he understands not everyone in the dressing room was happy with the decision and Adidas, who have declined to comment, are also disappointed by the development. The team went out to beat Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford. Mazraoui has proved a popular signing with the Red Devils since his summer arrival from Bayern Munich. He was awarded the club's Player of the Month for November and is set to star in a back three for new manager Ruben Amorim.

In a statement Manchester United said: “Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion. We demonstrate these principles through a range of activities, including support for our Rainbow Devils supporters’ club, and campaigns to celebrate our LGBTQ+ fans and combat all forms of discrimination. 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.”

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