Ipswich Town FC has defended the decision of its captain not to wear a rainbow armband in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion due to his religious beliefs.
Egyptian midfielder Sam Morsy, who is a practicing Muslim, chose not to take part in the Rainbow Laces campaign during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest this weekend.
The 33-year-old is reported to be the only Premier League captain not to have worn the armband during the fixtures that took place between Friday 29 and Sunday 31 November.
Rainbow Laces was launched by the LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall, with the Premier League showing its support for the campaign at fixtures this season until Thursday 5 December.
Stonewall says the campaign is about making sure “sport should be a safe place where everyone belongs”.
The league has not made it compulsory for captains to wear the armband – instead allowing individual players to make their own choice.
Ipswich Town FC has said it is “committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone” but that it respects its captain’s decision due to his “religious beliefs”.
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The club said in a statement: “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.”
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Morsy has previously spoken about the importance of his faith and revealed how nutritionists at Ipswich Town have helped him to manage fasting when Ramadan takes place during the football season.
Following his decision not to wear the rainbow armband, a Stonewall spokesperson said: “It has been incredible to see so many football teams at all levels support our Rainbow Laces campaign to make sport safer and more inclusive for all. When clubs like Ipswich Town FC show their support, it helps people feel safe and welcome both on and off the pitch.
“It is up to individuals to choose if and how they show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.”
It comes after Rainbow Laces pitch flags, ball plinths and substitute boards were also seen at Premier League fixtures this weekend as part of the campaign.
