Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy opts against wearing rainbow armband citing religious beliefs

Egyptian midfielder Sam Morsy, a practicing Muslim, opted not to participate in the Rainbow Laces campaign during his team's 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest this past weekend.

The 33-year-old is reportedly the only Premier League captain not to have worn the rainbow armband during the fixtures held between Friday, 29 November, and Sunday, 1 December.

The Rainbow Laces initiative, launched by LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall, is supported by the Premier League in its fixtures this season, running until Thursday, 5 December.

Stonewall describes the campaign as a way to ensure that "sport should be a safe place where everyone belongs."

While the Premier League has not made it mandatory for captains to wear the armband, it allows players to make individual decisions about their participation.

Ipswich Town FC, where Morsy is captain, issued a statement expressing their commitment to inclusivity while respecting Morsy's personal decision. The club said: "We proudly support the Premier League's Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance."

The statement continued: "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."

Ipswich Town also highlighted further plans for promoting inclusivity, noting: "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."

However, the club concluded: "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."