Mazraoui sparks controversy after refusal to wear pro-LGBTQ+ jacket
United was forced to scrap plans to wear a rainbow jacket after Mazraoui objected on religious concerns.
MANCHESTER — Manchester United fullback Noussair Mazraoui has attracted controversy after reportedly refusing to wear a rainbow jacket as part of the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign. Mazraoui, a Muslim, objected on grounds of his religious faith. United ultimately decided to ‘maintain the team ethos and togetherness’ by scrapping their plans to trot out their rainbow jackets during last Sunday’s match against Everton.
Mazraoui has been Manchester United’s most consistent player since arriving in Manchester on a four-year deal from Bayern Munich. He ranks second in the league in dribblers tackled and fifth in total tackles.
Hours before their 4-0 win over Everton, Mazraoui told team officials he wasn’t willing to wear the club’s rainbow jacket due to his Muslim faith. As a result, Manchester United higher-ups informed the team that no one would wear the club’s jackets so Mazraoui wouldn’t be the only one wearing it and thus face criticism. Some players inside United’s locker room were frustrated after learning they wouldn’t wear the team’s pro-LGBTQ+ tracksuits.
However, captain Bruno Fernandes sported a rainbow-colored armband on Saturday. At the same time, key figures like Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans worked with United to create extended videos on the club’s drive for inclusivity. The Red Devils have made significant strides to emphasize inclusivity in the locker room and the workforce.
The incident mirrors a recent incident where Ipswich captain Sam Morsy refused to wear a rainbow armband in their losses on Saturday and Tuesday. Morsy, a practicing Muslim, reportedly turned down the armband due to religious beliefs. Marc Guehi also sparked controversy after writing “I [heart] Jesus” on his armband. Although Guehi will not face any punishment, the FA is expected to release a memo to teams and players about how religious messaging is banned.
United, who has significantly improved under new manager Ruben Amorim, will play their next match on Saturday against Nottingham Forest.
The groups for the inaugural Club World Cup were drawn earlier today. Four African teams — Sundowns, ES Tunis, Wydad, and Al Ahly faced difficult draws that could warrant early exits.
Al Ahly faces Porto, Palmeiras, and Inter Miami in Group A. ES Tunis faces Flamengo, Chelsea, and Club Léon in Group D. Sundowns faces Ulsan HD, Dortmund, and Fluminese. Wydad faces arguably the best team in the world Manchester City, along with Al Ain FC and Juventus FC.
Bayer Leverkusen reportedly wants to ward off interest from top-level Premier League clubs by handing star striker Victor Boniface a long-term contract. Boniface has scored six goals in 10 Bundesliga appearances, while Chelsea and United are eager to complete a winter transfer.