Sport
Manchester United scrapped plans to wear LGBTQ+ jackets after Noussair Mazraoui refused
Danny Jones
Manchester United are under the spotlight once again after they reportedly scrapped their plans to wear LGBTQ+ jackets prior to their game against Everton this past weekend after defender Noussair Mazraoui said he wasn’t prepared to wear them.
The club had initially planned to walk out of the tunnel wearing a special Adidas design in support of LGBTQ+ fans, but the Mazraoui said he wouldn’t wear the jacket due to his religion.
Born in Morrocco and into the Muslim faith – which does not approve of homosexuality and various other aspects within the queer community – the 27-year-old obviously didn’t feel comfortable taking part on religious grounds.
As a result, as per The Athletic, the rest of the team voted against taking part in the observance altogether, walking out instead in their usual pre-match attire.
According to writer Adam Crafton, the U-turn was made just hours before kick-off, with the squad deciding that “no players would wear the tracksuit so that Mazraoui would not be the only one seen publicly refusing to wear it.”
Man United have worn colourful pre-match jerseys, armbands and more on various occasions in the past as part of the Premier League’s ongoing Rainbow Laces campaign, with the squad donning a previous version of the special LGBTQ Adidas jackets just last season before Mazraroui signed for the club.
However, it now looks as though this specific show of support could be sidelined indefinitely given Mazraroui’s place in the team, having emerged not only as a starter but one of the most popular and in-form players, dubbed by many as one of their shrewdest signings in years.
Meanwhile, responding to the reports, the club told the outlet: “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.”
However, the show of solidarity from the players with their team-mate in this instance and the choice not to take part has come under fire from an understandably passionate section of fans, especially given Greater Manchester’s long-standing LGBTQ ambassadorship and annual Pride celebrations.
Naturally, not everyone is in agreeance. Football content presenter and producer Bruno Quinney wrote: “One thing for Mazraoui to refuse but even worse for the whole team to follow. Even from a PR perspective alone, this is dreadful.
On the other hand, another account said in response to United’s statement: “Was never this deep, United are so inclusive and work hard for the LGBTQ+ community and provide a safe place for them (rightly so), one person’s symbolism should not scatter the hard work in place.”
Although United have obviously insisted they will continue to support the likes of the Rainbow Devils Supporters’ Club – MUFC’s official LGBTQ+ trust which proudly flies its banner at Old Trafford week in and week out – the decision has of course come as a difficult one for many to accept.
Sharing an official response on Wednesday, the group wrote: “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.”
You can read their full statement down below:
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Featured Images — Nawfel Ajari (via WikiCommons)/ Manchester United (via YouTube)/Adidas
Kate Jackson -
12th June 2020 
