Manchester United players were forced to abandon preparations to wear an Adidas jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community before last Sunday’s game against Everton after defender Noussair Mazraoui refused to accept the effort, reports Telegraph.
Over the previous two seasons, the United squad has worn a pride-themed shirt in the warm-up before games, as well as a matching jacket for the walk-out before kick-off, as part of the Rainbow Laces initiative, which encourages Premier League clubs to demonstrate support for the LGBTQ+ community.
United had planned for its players to wear walk-out jackets for the Everton encounter, but Morocco international defender Mazraoui informed his teammates that he would not be wearing the costumes due to his Muslim beliefs, reports Telegraph.
The squad subsequently decided only hours before Sunday’s match that no one should wear the tracksuit, ensuring that Mazraoui was not singled out as the lone player openly refusing to wear the garment. According to The Athletic, some players in the changing room were dissatisfied with the decision.
Mazraoui faced fire in Germany in May of last year for his views on LGBTQ+ community shows of solidarity when Bayern fans unfurled a banner that read: “All colours are lovely. In Toulouse, Munich, and others. Respect our ideals, Mazraoui!”
It came following Mazraouni’s decision to show solidarity on social media for Morocco teammate Zakaria Aboukhlal, who refused to participate in Ligue 1’s rainbow campaign while playing for Toulouse in France, reports Telegraph.
Adidas, which has not officially commented on the situation, is thought to be displeased with the development. The German sportswear company has signed a £900 million kit agreement with United.
In a statement, 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,” reports Telegraph.
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