Ipswich Town have explained why Sam Morsy refused to wear a Rainbow captain's armband during their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Morsy, who has been skipper of Kieran McKenna's side since 2021, was the only one of the 20 captains in the most recent round of Premier League fixtures not to have worn the multi-coloured armband.
It led to questions being raised about why the 31-year-old had opted against donning the armband following the return of the annual Rainbow Laces campaign to the Premier League.
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His club have now issued a statement to clarify the matter, explaining that Morsi - a practising Muslim - made the decision citing religious reasons, according to The Mirror.
A spokesperson said: "Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone. We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.
"During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first-teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of Saturday’s game.
"At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs. We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch."
Despite backing Morsy, the Tractor Boys have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting LGBT+ inclusion with "a range of further initiatives" planned for their next home game against Crystal Palace at Portman Road tomorrow.
This will include a takeover of the stadium's big screen in the moments prior to kick-off.
Morsy is not the first player in the top flight to snub representing the rainbow flag on their football shirt.
Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic was the first player to reject the Rainbow armband during the 2023-24 campaign when the Blades played Liverpool in December 2023.
Ahmedhodzic was handed the armband with Chris Basham and John Egan sidelined by injury but he opted not to wear the rainbow alternative, instead choosing to don the standard Premier League armband.
United boss Chris Wilder was questioned about Ahmedhodzic's decision after the game, but he claimed he wasn't aware of the situation. "I didn't know," he said.
"It's not a club decision or a personal decision. I just didn't know he did that."
