Manchester United Abandoned Plan for LGBTQ+ Jacket After Mazraoui Refusal

Manchester United Abandoned Plan for LGBTQ+ Jacket After Mazraoui Refusal

  • Manchester United scrapped plans to walk out with jackets showing support for the LGBTQ+ community before their game against Everton
  • Ruben Amorim's side had planned to wear the jackets as part of their continued efforts to promote inclusivity in the sport
  • The plan was, however, abandoned after one of the players declined to wear the jacket, citing his religious beliefs

It has now emerged that Manchester United players abandoned a plan to walk out with pro-LGBTQ+ jackets ahead of their game against Everton on December 1.

The players had planned to don the Adidas jackets at Old Trafford but had to scrap the plan after Noussair Mazraoui informed his teammates he wasn't comfortable doing it.

Noussair Mazraoui, Manchester United, LGBTQ
Noussair Mazraoui in action for Manchester United against Everton. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA.
Source: Getty Images

Why Mazraoui refused to wear pro-LGBTQ+ jacket

The Moroccan defender cited his Muslim faith, leading his fellow teammates to abandon the plan altogether to prevent Mazraoui being the only one seen publicly refusing to wear it.

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The Athletic reports that not everyone in the Red Devils' dressing room was happy with the decision. United's sponsor, Adidas, was also reportedly not happy that the players did not walk out with their themed jackets.

Manchester United have, in recent years, enhanced their efforts to make the club more hospitable for their LGBTQ+ staff and fans.

"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," read a statement from the club.

When Bayern Munich fans criticised Mazraoui

This is not the first time Mazraoui has caused controversy by refusing to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2023, he supported his compatriot Zakaria Aboukhlal, who refused to wear the rainbow colours while playing for Toulouse.

This comes at a time when Ipswich Town's captain, Sam Morsy, refused to wear the rainbow armband this past weekend. The Egyptian also cited religious beliefs and received the full backing of his club as reported by BBC Sports.

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Arsenal vs Man United, rivalry renewed

Briefly News reported that Arsenal will host Manchester United in the biggest game of the night as the two teams reignite their storied rivalry.

The Gunners, fresh off a 5-2 thrashing of West Ham, are aiming for their fourth consecutive home win against United. Meanwhile, the Red Devils, under new coach Ruben Amorim, seek their first victory at the Emirates since 2019.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
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Viginia Akinyi (sports editor) Viginia Akinyi is the current import editor at Briefly News. She holds a B.Sc. in Communication and Public Relations from Moi University and has previously worked with Lolwe TV, Daily Nation Eldoret Bureau and SportsBrief.com. Email: viginia.akinyi@briefly.co.za