Ipswich release statement after captain Sam Morsy refused to wear Rainbow armband against Nottingham Forest

IPSWICH captain Sam Morsy REFUSED to wear a Rainbow armband last weekend due to “religious beliefs”.

The Egypt international starred for the Tractor Boys in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest – a weekend that saw the Prem promote their Rainbow campaign in support of the LGBT+ community.

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As well as players wearing Rainbow laces and clubs using Rainbow corner flags, captains are asked to wear Rainbow armbands.

However, Morsy, 31 – a practising Muslim – was the only one of the league’s 20 captains not to do so.

In a club statement, while stressing their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion, Ipswich admit they “respect the decision” of Morsy to don a plain Prem captain’s armband instead.

The statement read: “Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone.

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“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 the game.

“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.”

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Ahead of kick-off against Crystal Palace at Portman Road tonight, there are more planned initiatives to support the LGBTQ+ community, including a “takeover of the stadium’s big screen”.

Morsy has been captain of Ipswich under boss Kieran McKenna since 2021.

Sheffield United’s Anel Ahmedhodzic also refused to wear a Rainbow armband in the Prem back in December 2023, but did not give a specific reason as to why, simply saying the word "guess".