Prior to Sunday’s victory over Everton, Manchester United had planned to wear a jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community, but a player refused to wear it.
Defender Noussair Mazraoui refused to participate in the initiative, according to The Athletic, external, citing his Muslim beliefs.
When contacted by BBC Sport, United refused to confirm the player’s identity. Additionally, Mazraoui’s agent chose not to comment.
Rainbow Devils, a group that supports LGBTQ+ people, called it a “great disappointment,” while United defended the players’ “entitlement to hold their own individual opinions.”
As part of the charity Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, Premier League clubs are supporting LGBTQ+ inclusiveness in sport by wearing rainbow armbands.
