Featured Image Credit: Getty & N1
Topics: Sheffield United, Premier League
Josh Lawless
Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic gave a one-word explanation for not wearing the rainbow armband.
Ahmedhodzic captained the Blades on two occasions this week in games against Liverpool and Brentford.
The 2-0 loss to Liverpool was his first experience as captain and the Bosnia international called it a "big honour".
But he courted controversy for not wearing the rainbow armband which all captains were wearing in a bid to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion within the game.
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While others wore the armband supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign across two matchdays, Ahmedhodzic sported the standard version.
It came just days after Oliver Norwood had worn the armband with Pride colours against Burnley.
"I didn't know," manager Chris Wilder said in a press conference afterwards.
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"It's not a club decision or a personal decision. I just didn't know he did that."
Ahmedhodzic's Instagram page has been bombarded with comments varying from rainbow heart emojis to others agreeing with his stance.
Although the club's Rainbow Blades fan group were "disheartened", Ahmedhodzic did not provide an official statement.
However, Swedish outlet SVT Sport received a response when they asked Ahmedhodzic why he did not wear the armband.
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Over text message, the former Nottingham Forest player simply replied: "Guess".
Outsports, a blog by SB Nation, branded his explanation "ridiculous".
Ahmedhodzic has worn a rainbow on his shirt before during his time with Bordeaux in Ligue One, where colourful shirt numbers were displayed for International Day Against Homophobia.
Last year, Feyenoord's Orkun Kokcu refused to wear a rainbow armband, citing his religion as a reason.
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Ahmedhodzic is a muslim but both Granit Xhaka and Ilkay Gundogan have worn the armband in the past.
A Sheffield United spokesperson told SPORTbible: "Sheffield United remains proud to continue to support the Rainbow Laces campaign and play a key part in ensuring our LGBTQ+ supporters feel welcome and included at Bramall Lane.
"In partnership with Stonewall, the Premier League and EFL support the campaign each year with set dates for activation.
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"Football clubs across the country celebrate the campaign and show support for LGBTQ+ people in numerous ways.
"This year, at the fixture against Liverpool, Sheffield United marked the campaign by including rainbow corner flags, dugouts adorning rainbow coloured sponsorships, LED and big screen messages.
"It was our understanding that clubs could make their own decision with regards to how to support the campaign.
"In addition, we work closely with the Rainbow Blades and have done so since their inception and will continue to support future campaigns and initiatives."