Manchester United 'changed plan' to wear LGBTQ+ jackets after Noussair Mazraoui refusal | OneFootball

Decision reportedly taken just before 4-0 win over Everton

Manchester United ditched plans to wear an Adidas jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community before Sunday’s Premier League game against Everton when Noussair Mazraoui refused to join the initiative.

Mazraoui played 56 minutes of the match at Old Trafford, which United won 4-0.

In previous seasons, United players have sported jackets inspired by the LGBTQ+ movement during Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.

This time, it was decided that no players would wear the jacket, so that Mazraoui, 27, did not stand out as the only player not wearing it.

German sportswear brand Adidas, who produced the jackets, are said to be disappointed by United’s decision for players not to wear them after Mazraoui’s refusal.

Adidas are United’s kit-makers, in a 10-year deal which is believed to be worth £900 million.

United released a statement to The Athletic, which read: “Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.

“We demonstrate these principles through a range of activities, including support for our Rainbow Devils supporters’ club, and campaigns to celebrate our LGBTQ+ fans and combat all forms of discrimination.

“Players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club’s position.”

Rainbow Devils, the club’s officially recognised LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, released a statement in response to the report.

It said: “We respect the right of this player to have his own views, whilst also feeling disappointed that he put the rest of the squad into a position where they felt that they couldn’t wear their jackets. We also worry what kind of negative effect this incident might have on any player at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality.

“Rainbow Devils will continue to work with Manchester United to support inclusivity, through the One Love initiative and others, as we all continue our work to ensure all LGBTQ+ people feel safe and welcome at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch.”

It is not the first time Mazraoui has drawn criticism for appearing to take a stand against the LGBTQ+ movement.

Mazraoui showed support to his Morocco teammate Zakaria Aboukhlal on social media after Aboukhlal had snubbed Ligue 1’s rainbow campaign when he played for Toulouse.

Fans of Bayern Munich, whom Mazraoui left to join United this summer, held up a banner which read: ‘All colours are beautiful. In Toulouse, Munich and everywhere. Respect our values Mazraoui!’