Manchester United reaffirmed their dedication to the inclusion of supporters from “all backgrounds” however mentioned gamers are “entitled to carry their very own particular person opinions” after Noussair Mazraoui opted in opposition to carrying a warm-up jacket in assist of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood.
A supply informed ESPN that Mazraoui cited his non secular beliefs as his purpose for not becoming a member of the initiative, which was organised to coincide with the Premier League‘s assist of Stonewall’s rainbow laces marketing campaign.
United gamers determined in opposition to carrying the jackets forward of kick-off in opposition to Everton on Sunday after studying of Mazraoui’s place.
United, in the meantime, clarified that Mazraoui and some other participant is entitled to his opinion whereas additionally confirming their assist for the initiative.
United captain Bruno Fernandes wore the rainbow armband in the course of the 4-0 win over Everton whereas members of the boys’s and girls’s squads, together with senior males’s gamers Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans, took half in video content material to assist the marketing campaign.
A press release issued by the membership learn: “Manchester United welcomes followers from all backgrounds, together with members of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood, and we’re strongly dedicated to the rules of variety and inclusion.
“We exhibit these rules by means of a spread of actions, together with assist for our Rainbow Devils supporters’ membership, and campaigns to have a good time our LGBTQ+ followers and fight all types of discrimination.
“Players are entitled to carry their very own particular person opinions, significantly in relation to their religion, and these could generally differ from the membership’s place.”
United’s LGBTQ+ supporters membership, Rainbow Devils, have expressed their disappointment that the jackets weren’t worn.
A statement issued by Rainbow Devils read: “Shortly earlier than the sport, Rainbow Devils have been knowledgeable that these jackets wouldn’t be worn. The purpose being that one of many matchday squad had refused to put on the jacket on the grounds of their personally held beliefs. Therefore, to take care of the group ethos and togetherness, not one of the gamers can be carrying them.
“This was clearly an important disappointment to Rainbow Devils, but in addition to all those that had labored laborious on the membership to ship this occasion. … We respect the correct of this participant to have his personal views, while additionally feeling disillusioned that he put the remainder of the squad right into a place the place they felt that they could not put on their jackets. We additionally fear what sort of damaging impact this incident may need on any participant on the membership who could also be scuffling with their sexuality.”
