Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy refuses rainbow armband on religious grounds

As the LGBTQ+ agenda continues to spread throughout society, we have witnessed in recent years that the sporting fraternity has struggled with inclusiveness issues for the LGBTQ community.

The initiative is gradually becoming more popular in one of the world’s most popular sports, football, particularly between November 29 and December 5, when clubs in the English Premier League, the world’s most-watched league, participate in charity Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign to show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.

This decision has not been welcomed by all players, one such being Sam Morsy, captain of Ipswich Town, who did not wear a rainbow armband in his club’s Premier League loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday due to “religious beliefs,” according to his club.

The 33-year-old Egyptian international elected not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband in the 1-0 loss to Forest, citing his religious convictions as an active Muslim. His decision has sparked widespread conjecture and questions regarding his motives, especially given that Morsy is apparently the only Premier League captain who did not wear the rainbow armband as part of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign for equality and diversity.

The Premier League has not made it essential for captains to wear the armband, instead allowing individual players to make their own decisions, which can only be considered fair given that some people have compelling reasons why they do not support such a lifestyle.

In response to last weekend’s happenings, Ipswich Town has issued a statement affirming their respect for Morsy’s religious beliefs. “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 the Egyptian international’s decision, Ipswich also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity, saying, “We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.”

Player visits to the club’s LGBTQ+ football practices and planned festivities around the forthcoming home game against Crystal Palace are among the Rainbow Laces campaign initiatives. Players and officials in the Premier League used rainbow-themed armbands, banners, and other materials to encourage equality over the weekend. According to reports, the Football Association (FA) is keeping all options open regarding potential action against Morsy due to his position.

The 33-year-old skipper has previously spoken of the importance of his faith in his professional and personal life. In an interview last year with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), Morsy said, “My faith gives me balance. I see a lot of times, especially with young players, where you end up overconsuming yourself and fear pops in. Faith gives you a way out of that in terms of seeing the bigger picture.”

“Yes, football is important, but in the grand scale of things, there are a lot more important things, and having faith keeps you measured, down to earth, and your feet on the ground,” Morsy explained. “Your faith is always there. Probably more so personally,” he added.