Why did Ipswich captain Sam Morsy not wear the rainbow armband?
IPSWICH TOWN fell to a 1-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest last weekend.
The match was played on a weekend that saw the Premier League promote their Rainbow campaign in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
As well as players wearing rainbow laces and clubs using rainbow corner flags, captains are asked to wear rainbow armbands.
However, Tractor Boys skipper Sam Morsy was the only one of the 20 top-flight captains who chose not to wear the rainbow armband.
Why did Ipswich captain Sam Morsy not wear the rainbow armband?
Ipswich captain Sam Morsy opted not to wear the rainbow armband during last weekend’s clash with Nottingham Forest due to his “religious beliefs”.
The Egyptian midfielder is a practising Muslim – and his Premier League club have stated that they respect their captain’s decision while stressing their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
An Ipswich spokesperson said: “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 the game.
“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.”
Ahead of kick-off against Crystal Palace at Portman Road tonight, there are more planned initiatives to support the LGBTQ+ community, including a “takeover of the stadium’s big screen”.