Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy did not wear a rainbow armband during Saturday’s Premier League loss at Nottingham Forest because of “religious beliefs”, his club have said.
Premier League clubs are showing their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport by taking part in charity Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign between 29 November and 5 December.
However, Egypt international Morsy, 33, chose not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband in the 1-0 loss at Forest – and Ipswich also host Crystal Palace during the campaign on Tuesday.
Ipswich reiterated their commitment to “being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone” but added they respect the decision of midfielder Morsy.
“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 on Monday.
“During this year’ 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.”
Former Wales captain Laura McAllister is a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ football community as she is now a vice-president and executive committee member for European football’s governing body Uefa.
She told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think there has to be an element of individual choice, but I’m really disappointed because a captain represents the team, and the club, and everybody who is a fan of that club, and everybody who works at that club, and that will include a lot of LGBT people as well.
“One’s own religious beliefs, if they are so strong that they feel they can’t champion inclusivity and diversity, then I think that’s a real shame that any religion would create those conditions.
“Being a captain, I think it comes with a big responsibility, and that’s to make sure that football is a game for everybody. That’s the whole point of the rainbow armband so it’s disappointing, but let’s move on with the positivity around this as well, with so many other captains championing equal rights.”