Manchester United abandon rainbow jacket initiative amid player controversy

Manchester United reportedly abandoned their plans to wear LGBT rainbow jackets ahead of their match against Everton after Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui refused to participate in the initiative.

The decision, made just hours before kick-off, came as Mazraoui, a devout Muslim, cited his religious beliefs as the reason for not wearing the pride-themed attire. In response to Mazraoui's stance, the club opted to cancel the entire initiative to avoid singling out the player publicly.

This incident follows United's two-year tradition of supporting the Premier League's Rainbow Laces campaign by wearing pride-themed jerseys during pre-match warm-ups. The controversy has reportedly left some team-mates unhappy with the outcome.

Mazraoui's refusal echoes a similar situation involving Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, who also declined to wear the rainbow armband twice, citing his Muslim faith. This development comes amid ongoing discussions about inclusivity in football and the balance between personal beliefs and club initiatives.

The incident highlights the complex challenges faced by clubs in navigating diverse perspectives within their squads while supporting broader social campaigns.