By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp
The decision by Ipswich Town’s captain to forego wearing an LGBTQ+ rainbow armband due to his religious beliefs is being supported by the English Premier League club’s management.
Sam Morsy decided not to wear the armband during his team's game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Muslim Egyptian player, 33, seemed to be the only Premier League captain not to have worn the armband during last weekend’s fixtures.
"Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone," a club statement said. "We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance."
"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," it added.
Stonewall Equality Limited's Rainbow Laces Campaign is an annual event in support of the LGBTQ+ community and the support of increasing diversity in sports across the world, which has been supported by the Premier League since 2013.
The campaign uses several visual gestures, including rainbow armbands, pitch flags and laces.
Morsy joined Ipswich from Middlesbrough in 2021.