Not everyone in the dressing room was happy with the decision to abandon the jackets, according to reports
Manchester United abandoned plans to wear Adidas jackets in support of the LGBTQ+ community after Noussair Mazraoui refused to take part.
United were due to wear the pride-themed jackets ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Everton, as the league takes part in Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.
The campaign is designed for Premier League teams to show their support for the LBGTQ+ community, and runs from 29 November to 5 December.
However, United abandoned the plans for the walk-out jacket at Old Trafford after Mazraoui told his teammates he would not wear the item of clothing.
The Morocco international cited his Muslim faith as the reason he wouldn’t wear the jacket.
As a result, the team decided none of them would wear the jacket so that Mazraoui wasn’t singled out.
According to the Athletic, this was decided just hours before the match and not everyone in the dressing room was happy with the decision.
In previous years, United have worn similar pride-themed Adidas tracksuits to mark the Rainbow Laces campaign.
A source with knowledge of the matter told the Athletic the sportswear giant was “disappointed” by the development.
United said in a statement that the club “welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.”
They continued: “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.”
Mazraoui isn’t the only Premier League player to have refused to wear a rainbow-themed item during the campaign.
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsey refused to wear a rainbow captain’s armband for both of his side’s matches during the campaign for religious reasons.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was warned by the FA after he wrote ‘Jesus loves you’ and ‘I love Jesus’ on his armband for his side’s matches against Newcastle and Ipswich.
