Man Utd dressing room UNHAPPY with latest move

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 4 Dec 2024 14:38 GMT
• 4 min read

Some of Manchester United's dressing room are not happy with the club's decision to not take part in a recent LGBTQ+ initiative, according to reports.

United were only planning a walk-out jacket as a show of support but defender Noussair Mazraoui told his team-mates he was not prepared to wear the outfit as he is of Muslim faith, reports The Athletic.

The Red Devils players abandoned the club’s plans to wear an Adidas jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Everton.

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As a collective, the squad decided that no players would wear the tracksuit "so that Mazraoui would not be the only one seen publicly refusing to wear it. The decision was taken a matter of hours before the game on Sunday."

It's thought that Adidas were also disappointed by the development.

United went on to an astounding 4-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford. Since joining, Mazraoui has been a reliable player for United. He earned the club’s Player of the Month award for November and is likely to feature heavily in Ruben Amorim's back-three system.

What did Man Utd say?

In a statement, Manchester United said: “Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.

"We demonstrate these principles through a range of activities, including support for our Rainbow Devils supporters’ club, and campaigns to celebrate our LGBTQ+ fans and combat all forms of discrimination. Players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club’s position.”

The Rainbow Devils, Manchester United’s officially recognised LGBTQ+ supporters club, expressed concern: “As part of this year’s Rainbow Laces campaign, Rainbow Devils worked closely with - and had great support from - Manchester United and the Fan Engagement team.

"This has included working with the Manchester United Foundation to spread the message of inclusivity with local schools, to a Q&A with two Men's first team players, to supportive messages from many Men and Women first team players (including an individual one from captain Bruno Fernandes).

“Even a pitchside event at Old Trafford on Sunday ahead of the Everton game. On this latter occasion, which was United's official Rainbow Laces game, the players were due to wear specially designed jackets pre-match to mark the occasion. Shortly before the game, Rainbow Devils was informed that these jackets would not be worn.

"The reason being that one of the matchday squad had refused to wear the jacket on the grounds of their personally held beliefs. Therefore, to maintain the team ethos and togetherness, none of the players would be wearing them.”