Decision was made after player Noussair Mazraoui cited Muslim faith for not wearing a piece against Everton
Manchester United decided not to carry out the initiative for its players to wear a jacket in support of the LGBT community before the game against Everton. The decision came after Noussair Mazraoui, the club’s defender, stated that he would not participate due to his Muslim faith. The information was released this Wednesday (04.Dec.2024).
The club made this decision last Sunday to prevent Mazraoui from standing out for his refusal. The player, signed from Bayern Munich for 15 million pounds, explained his position to his teammates. In response, the team chose not to wear the jacket in solidarity with him. This choice generated dissatisfaction among some players.
In recent years, Manchester United has promoted several initiatives in support of the LGBT community. The club created the Rainbow Devils group in 2019 and released supporting videos during the Rainbow Laces campaign. In one of the videos, players like Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire spoke to fans about inclusion. Captain Bruno Fernandes emphasized the importance of respecting all fans.
Repercussion between Adidas and Manchester United
Adidas, the club’s main sponsor, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision. The contract between Manchester United and the German brand is worth £900 million for 10 years. Despite the impact, the club reaffirmed its commitment to diversity. Manchester United highlighted The Athletic its continued support of the Rainbow Devils and anti-discrimination campaigns, while respecting the individual beliefs of its players.
