Ipswich LGBT+ fans ‘disappointed’ captain Sam Morsy refused to wear rainbow armband

The official LGBTQ+ supporters group of Ipswich Town expressed their disappointment regarding club captain Sam Morsy’s choice not to wear a rainbow armband, citing his religious beliefs, during the team’s loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Since its launch in 2013, the Premier League has backed Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces initiative. Players have shown their support by wearing laces and armbands in rainbow colors. Additionally, corner flags, ball plinths, handshake boards, and substitution boards have all been temporarily updated to help promote diversity and inclusion.

Rainbow Laces is focused on ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals feel accepted and secure when it comes to engaging with sports at any level. This season, the Premier League has committed to supporting the initiative from November 29 to December 5, which includes two distinct weeks of games.

Therefore, Morsy, who is a practicing Muslim and an Egyptian international player, is probably not going to wear the armband again during Ipswich’s crucial match against Crystal Palace, which is also a battle against relegation, at Portman Road on Tuesday evening.

Morsy isn't the first captain in the Premier League to choose not to wear the armband. Last season, Anel Ahmedhodzic, a defender for Sheffield United, did the same during a match against Liverpool.

The 33-year-old is expected to play a significant role, having started all but one of the team’s Premier League matches this season. He has been an essential contributor to their progress under Kieran McKenna.

A spokesperson for Rainbow Tractors expressed their disappointment, stating, "Although we were informed beforehand about the decision, we are let down that Sam Morsy decided not to wear the rainbow armband to support the Rainbow Laces campaign."

Rainbow Laces is an excellent initiative that promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion in football, ensuring that fans and players from the community feel welcomed in the sport. At the same time, we remain respectful of his religious beliefs, just as we have been in past seasons.

Ipswich Town Football Club has demonstrated its dedication to the LGBTQ+ community over the past few years and is actively maintaining this commitment through various initiatives.

"Rainbow Tractors and Ipswich Town are dedicated to collaborating to make sure that all LGBTQ+ fans feel secure and accepted at Portman Road, creating an inclusive environment for everyone."

A representative from Stonewall commented, "It's been amazing to witness so many football teams across various levels backing our Rainbow Laces initiative aimed at making sports a safer and more inclusive space for everyone. When teams such as Ipswich Town FC demonstrate their support, it creates a sense of safety and belonging for individuals both on the field and beyond."

Each person has the choice to decide whether and how they express their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.

The club expressed its support for Morsy’s choice. Over the weekend, the 33-year-old chose to wear a standard armband and was the only team captain who opted out of wearing the rainbow-colored version.

"Ipswich Town Football Club is dedicated to creating an environment that embraces everyone without exception. We are proud to back the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces initiative and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community to foster equality and acceptance," the club stated.

This year, players from the men's and women's first teams of the club attended our foundation's weekly LGBTQ+ football session. Additionally, the club partnered with Nottingham Forest to make a shared commitment to support solidarity and inclusivity before Saturday's match.

Several additional activities are scheduled for the home match against Crystal Palace on Tuesday, including the big screen at the stadium being taken over just before the game starts.

"We also honor our captain Sam Morsy's choice not to wear the rainbow captain's armband because of his religious beliefs. Our commitment remains to foster an inclusive atmosphere where everyone is appreciated and treated with respect, both on the field and beyond."

Jake Daniels, a forward for Blackpool who is currently loaned to Warrington Rylands 1906, publicly came out in 2022. He is notable for being the only openly gay male footballer in professional football in England.