December 4th 2024.
Noussair Mazraoui, a Muslim player for Manchester United, made headlines when he refused to wear a specially-designed jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community. The team had collaborated with Adidas to create the jacket for their Premier League game against Everton on Sunday at Old Trafford. However, Mazraoui, citing his religious beliefs, declined to wear the jacket, which led to the rest of the team abandoning the plan as a show of solidarity.
According to a report by The Athletic, Mazraoui informed his teammates of his decision and they unanimously agreed not to wear the jackets in order to avoid singling him out. While some players were unhappy with the decision, the team released a statement reaffirming their commitment to diversity and inclusion, and their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The news of Mazraoui's refusal caused disappointment among members of the Rainbow Devils, an LGBT+ supporters club of United. They were informed shortly before the game that the jackets would not be worn due to a player's personal beliefs. The club chose not to reveal the player's identity, in order to avoid any negative impact on the team and other positive initiatives within the club.
In 2022, Mazraoui faced criticism from Bayern Munich fans after he refused to hold a glass of beer during the team's annual photo shoot, again citing his religious beliefs. The Bayern fans also displayed a banner during a game against RB Leipzig, calling for respect for all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation.
The incident at United with the jackets is not the first time a Muslim player has declined to participate in a pro-LGBTQ+ gesture. In 2020, Bayern Munich's Zakaria Aboukhlal refused to wear a shirt with rainbow-colored numbers, which led to criticism from fans and opposition players. Similarly, in the English Premier League, Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi have also made headlines for refusing to wear LGBTQ+ armbands.
Despite these incidents, the Rainbow Devils continue to work with Manchester United to promote inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community through initiatives like the One Love campaign. They hope to create a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch.
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