Premier League make decision on rainbow laces iniative after player backlash over captain's armband
The Premier League has made a decision relating to its partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The start of the Premier League season is just one week away, with Liverpool set to get things going with a home fixture against Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15.
Several changes will be enforced by referees this term, including the newly introduced ‘eight-second rule’ when goalkeepers have possession of the ball.
Meanwhile, according to reports from The Telegraph, the league is set to part ways with Stonewall, bringing an eight-year partnership to an end.
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The report claims that the decision to ditch both rainbow arm bands and laces comes after consultation with all 20 club captains on Thursday.
Although the Premier League will still prioritise ‘education through its community programmes’.
Instead of promoting the Rainbow Laces campaign, the league will launch its own initiative ahead of LGBTQ+ History Month in February.
Last year, the campaign was thrust into the spotlight when Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy did not wear the rainbow armband in a match against Nottingham Forest.
“We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance," Ipswich said in a statement in December 2024.
"During this year's campaign, members of the club's men's and women's first-teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of Saturday's game.”
The statement added: "At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain's armband, due to his religious beliefs."
Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi also caused controversy when he wrote the words ‘I Love Jesus’ on his rainbow armband during a clash against Newcastle.
When explaining his decision to Sky Sports, Guehi said: “I think the message was pretty clear to be honest. It’s a message of love and truth as well and a message of inclusivity, so it speaks for itself.”
Back in 2022, Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye also reportedly refused to play in a match “to avoid wearing a rainbow symbol in support of LGBTQ+ rights” during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Topics: Premier League, Football
Luke Davies