Football’s lack of unity for rainbow gesture – what does it mean?

pswich Town captain Sam Morsy’s decision not to wear the rainbow armband in support of the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign has drawn scrutiny.

Morsy wore a standard-issue armband instead of the rainbow design during his side’s 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest on Saturday for “religious beliefs”, according to his club Ipswich.

He did the same for Ipswich’s game against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.

So what are the factors behind the decision – and what has the reaction been?

What is the Rainbow Laces campaign?
The Premier League collaborates with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall on the Rainbow Laces campaign every season.

The initiative involves top-flight players being encouraged to wear rainbow-coloured laces and captain’s armbands to demonstrate support for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, inspire acceptance among children and young people, and promote equality and diversity.

Rainbow Laces was first launched in 2013, typically lasts for a week and has been supported by all clubs and the vast majority of Premier League captains since.

Why did Morsy not wear the armband?
Morsy has chosen not to comment on his decision so far.

It is not compulsory for captains to wear the armbands, which are provided by the Premier League, along with other matchday assets.

But Ipswich Town said in a statement on Monday that the 33-year-old Egypt international, who is a Muslim, made the choice based on his religious beliefs.

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

“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.”