Sam Morsy: Ipswich Town captain didn’t wear rainbow armband because of ‘religious beliefs’

Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy did not wear a rainbow armband in Saturday’s Premier League defeat at Nottingham Forest because of “religious beliefs”, his club said.

Premier League clubs are showing their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport by taking part in charity Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign between November 29th and December 5th.

However, 33-year-old Egypt international Morsy chose not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband in the 1-0 defeat at Forest – and Ipswich also host Crystal Palace during the season on Tuesday.

Ipswich reiterated their commitment to being “a fully inclusive club that welcomes all”, but added that they respect midfielder Morsy’s decision.

“We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance,” Ipswich said in a statement on Monday.

“During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s inaugural men’s and women’s teams attended our foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity with Nottingham Forest ahead of Saturday’s game.

“A number of other initiatives are planned in connection with Tuesday’s home game against Crystal Palace, including taking over the stadium’s big screen shortly before kick-off.”

“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who chose not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband for religious reasons.”

Former Wales captain Laura McAllister is a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ football community as she is now vice-president and member of the executive committee of European football’s governing body Uefa.

She told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think there has to be an element of individual choice but I’m really disappointed because a captain represents the team and the club and everyone who is a fan of that club and everyone who that does.” works in this club, and there will be a lot of LGBT people there too.

“If your own religious beliefs are so strong that you feel like you can’t advocate for inclusivity and diversity, then I think it’s a real shame that any religion would create such conditions.”

“As captain, I think it comes with a great responsibility, which is to ensure that football is a game for everyone. That’s the whole point of the rainbow armband, so it’s disappointing, but let’s also stay positive about it, while so many other captains are standing up for equal rights.”