Ipswich Town insist the club is full committed to promoting equality after skipper Sam Morsy opted not to wear the rainbow captain's armband in their match against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
The midfielder was the only captain in the top tier not to wear the armband, designed to show support for the LGBTQ+ community as part of the Premier League's Rainbow Laces campaign.
The 33-year-old opted against wearing it due to his religious beliefs. Morsy is a Muslim and has spoken previously about the importance of faith in his life.
In a statement, the club said: "Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone.
"We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.
"During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of Saturday’s game.
“A range of further initiatives are planned around Tuesday’s home game with Crystal Palace, including a takeover of the stadium's big screen in the moments prior to kick-off.
“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.”
Town forward Conor Chaplin is an ambassador for Rainbow Tractors, the club's official LGBTQ+ supporters group.
Speaking previously about it, Chaplin said: "The inclusivity of everyone is huge.
"We want people from all backgrounds, all sexualities and all genders coming to our games.
"It’s crucial to have that togetherness within the community and in the stands. Showing that support from the pitch is absolutely crucial.
"I met some really lovely people from Rainbow Tractors. It’s such a good organisation and the way that they’re trying to spread the message and awareness is huge.
"As footballers, it’s crucial that we buy into that and help in whatever way we can."
Rainbow Tractors put out their own statement on Morsy's stance last night.
— Rainbow Tractors (P) (@RainbowTractors) December 2, 2024
It said: "While Rainbow Tractors were aware in advance of the decision, we are disappointed that Sam Morsy chose to not wear the rainbow armband in support of the Rainbow Laces campaign.
"Rainbow Laces is a great campaign that supports with LGBTQ+ inclusion, and is an important one for fans and players within the community to know they are welcome in football. We do, however, continue to respect his religious beliefs as we have done in previous seasons.
"Ipswich Town Football Club have shown a long-term commitment to the LGBTQ+ community over the last few years, and continue to do so with a wide range of initiatives.
"Rainbow Tractors and Ipswich Town remain committed to working together to ensure all LGBTQ+ Ipswich Town fans feel safe, welcomed and that Portman Road is an inclusive place for everyone."
Morsy and Town host Crystal Palace at Portman Road tonight (7.30pm).
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