Manchester United Rainbow jackets plans scrapped as player refuses

Manchester United scrapped plans to wear jackets supporting the LGBTQ+ community at Sunday's Premier League match against Everton after a player refused to take part, according to reports.

Clubs are currently supporting Stonewall’s 2024-25 Rainbow Laces campaign, with special pitch flags, ball plinths, handshake boards and substitute boards at games last weekend and this midweek.

United intended to wear Adidas tops in support of the initiative as they walked onto the pitch against Everton, only for the idea to be abandoned after a player said he was unwilling to wear it.

United declined to confirm the identity of the player when contacted, while Rainbow Devils – the club’s LGBTQ+ supporters’ club – said it did not want to name him despite a feeling of "great disappointment".

The Premier League club said in a statement: "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."

United captain Bruno Fernandes wore the rainbow armband in Sunday’s win against Everton, while several players from the men’s and women’s teams took part in video content supporting the campaign.

Rainbow Devils said it has received "great support" from United and the fan engagement team around the Rainbow Laces campaign but expressed its disappointment about Sunday.

"The players were