Ipswich Town has confirmed that their captain, Sam Morsy, opted not to wear the LGBTQ+ rainbow armband during the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign due to his religious beliefs.
The campaign, organized by Stonewall and supported by the Premier League, aims to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in football.
As part of the initiative, captains across the league wore rainbow armbands, and many players laced up in rainbow-themed boots to show solidarity.
Premier League’s Commitment to Inclusion
The Premier League stated that the Rainbow Laces campaign, launched in 2013, has played a crucial role in sparking conversations around LGBTQ+ inclusion. A statement explained the league’s broader goals:
“During this period, the League and clubs will showcase the work they carry out year-round to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion in everything they do.”
Clubs have been encouraged to highlight initiatives aimed at promoting allyship and creating environments where everyone in football feels a sense of belonging.
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Ipswich Stands by Morsy
While Morsy was the only Premier League captain not to wear the rainbow armband, Ipswich Town emphasized their respect for his decision. In a statement shared by Metro, the club reiterated their commitment to inclusivity:
“We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance. At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain, Sam Morsy, due to his religious beliefs.”
Ipswich also stressed their dedication to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Born in Wolverhampton, Morsy has represented Egypt at the international level through his father’s heritage. Since joining Ipswich Town in 2021, the midfielder has made 140 appearances and become a central figure for the team.
