Manchester United shelved plans to wear pro-LGBTQ+ jackets before their match against Everton on December 1 at Old Trafford. The gesture was intended to promote inclusivity and align with the club’s ongoing efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community. However, the plan was scrapped after Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui expressed discomfort with the initiative due to his Muslim faith.
Mazraoui’s decision not to participate led the team to abandon the idea altogether, avoiding a situation where he would be the only player publicly opting out. While the decision was made to maintain unity, reports suggest it caused some tension within the dressing room. Additionally, the club’s sponsor, Adidas, was reportedly displeased that the themed jackets were not worn as planned.
Manchester United later released a statement affirming their commitment to inclusivity while acknowledging players’ right to hold individual beliefs, particularly those tied to their faith.
This isn’t the first time Mazraoui has faced criticism for such decisions. In 2023, while at Bayern Munich, he supported fellow Moroccan player Zakaria Aboukhlal, who declined to wear rainbow-themed attire during a match for Toulouse.
Despite this incident, Manchester United continues to work on fostering a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ staff and supporters.
