Premier League captain refused to wear rainbow armband ‘due to religious reasons’

Rainbow armbands were worn across the Premier League last weekend.

The weekend saw a return of the Rainbow Laces campaign to the Premier League - a campaign working towards the inclusion for the LGBT+ community.

Since its launch 11 years ago, the campaign has evolved, through the use of Rainbow armbands, corner flags and laces.

Over the weekend, players wore rainbow armbands.

Sam Morsy of Ipswich Town was the only player not to wear a rainbow armband.

Ipswich confirmed to Mirror Football that this was due to religious reasons, with Morsy being a practising Muslim.

The Tractor Boys stressed their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion.

A spokesperson insisted the club 'proudly supports' the campaign of Rainbow Laces.

"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," the spokesperson said.

"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."