Manchester United players opted not to wear a planned Adidas jacket supporting the LGBTQ+ community ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Everton, following defender Noussair Mazraoui’s decision to abstain from the initiative.
Mazraoui, citing his Muslim faith, informed his teammates of his stance, prompting a collective decision to forego the jackets altogether to avoid singling him out. The decision was made just hours before the match.
In previous years during the Rainbow Laces campaign—a Premier League initiative promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion—United players donned pride-themed warm-up jerseys and walk-out jackets.
This year, the club had planned only the latter, developed in collaboration with Adidas. Mazraoui, a £15m summer signing from Bayern Munich and a Moroccan international, expressed his unwillingness to participate.
While the team collectively chose not to wear the jackets, the decision reportedly left some players in the dressing room dissatisfied.
United has made efforts in recent years to foster inclusivity for LGBTQ+ staff and supporters.
The Rainbow Devils supporters’ group was established in 2019, and during this season’s Rainbow Laces period, the club released a video featuring players Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, and captain Bruno Fernandes discussing the importance of inclusivity with Rainbow Devils fans.
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Fernandes highlighted the significance of wearing the rainbow armband as a gesture of respect and support for LGBTQ+ fans.
Adidas, United’s kit sponsor under a £900 million ($1.1 billion) 10-year deal, collaborated with the club on the walk-out jacket.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest the sportswear company is disappointed by the decision, particularly given United’s prior displays of support.
Adidas declined to comment publicly. Separately, the Manchester United Foundation recently hosted an event at The Cliff Training Ground involving over 50 young participants from partner schools to celebrate LGBTQ+ representation in sports, underscoring the club’s broader commitment to inclusivity.
A United statement to The Athletic read: “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.”
Following The Athletic’s story, a Rainbow Devils statement later added: “We respect the right of this player to have his own views, whilst also feeling disappointed that he put the rest of the squad into a position where they felt that they couldn’t wear their jackets. We also worry what kind of negative effect this incident might have on any player at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality.
“Rainbow Devils will continue to work with Manchester United to support inclusivity, through the One Love initiative and others, as we all continue our work to ensure all LGBTQ+ people feel safe and welcome at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch.”
Mazraoui previously faced criticism for his perceived stance on LGBTQ+ support during his time playing in Germany. In May 2023, Bayern Munich fans displayed a banner that read: “All colours are beautiful. In Toulouse, Munich, and everywhere. Respect our values, Mazraoui!”
The banner followed Mazraoui’s Instagram show of support for Morocco teammate Zakaria Aboukhlal, who had declined to participate in France’s Ligue 1 rainbow campaign while playing for Toulouse.
Similarly, Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, a practising Muslim, opted not to wear a rainbow armband during his club’s two Rainbow Laces fixtures, citing religious reasons.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi received a reminder from the Football Association about equipment rules after writing a religious message on his armband.
(The Athletic)
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