Ipswich Town have released a statement after captain Sam Morsy decided against wearing a Rainbow armband in his side's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
From the dates of November 29 to December 5, clubs in the Premier League will show support for LGBTQ+ inclusion by celebrating Stonewall’s 2024 Rainbow Laces campaign.
Across this period, the league and its clubs will showcase the work they carry out year-round to embed equality, diversity and inclusion, with Rainbow armbands being worn by captains across both fixtures.
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Sam Morsy, meanwhile, was the only one of the Premier League's 20 captains not to wear a Rainbow armband over the weekend as Ipswich Town fell a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest.
Ipswich have since confirmed that his decision was due to religious reasons, with Morsy being a practising Muslim.
In a statement stressing their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion, the club also explained Morsy's choice to not wear the Rainbow armband – a decision they "respect".
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A spokesperson told The Mirror: "Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone. We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.
"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.
"A range of further initiatives are planned around Tuesday’s home game with Crystal Palace, including a takeover of the stadium's big screen in the moments prior to kick-off.
"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. We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch."
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Morsy has previously spoken about the importance of his faith.
“My faith gives me balance,” he told the Professional Footballers’ Association last year. “I see a lot of times, especially with young players where you end up over consuming yourself and fear pops in. Faith gives you a way out of that in terms of seeing the bigger picture.”
After being approached for comment on the matter, LGBT rights group Stonewall told SPORTbible: “It has been incredible to see so many football teams at all levels support our Rainbow Laces campaign to make sport safer and more inclusive for all.
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"When clubs like Ipswich Town FC show their support, it helps people feel safe and welcome both on and off the pitch. It is up to individuals to choose if and how they show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.”
The Premier League has partnered with Stonewall since 2017 and has developed a wide range of programmes and initiatives that highlight LGBTQ+ inclusivity in sport.
Topics: Premier League
Jack Kenmare