LONDON — Recently, the captains of two teams in the English Premier League have drawn attention for their contrasting actions during a weekend dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity within the sport.

As part of this initiative, all 20 clubs in the league were provided with rainbow-colored captain armbands to wear during their matches. However, one notable exception was Sam Morsy, the captain of Ipswich, who opted not to wear the armband. The club explained that his decision was based on his religious beliefs. Morsy, who is a British-born Egyptian midfielder, adheres to Islam.

While Ipswich expressed respect for Morsy’s choice, they also emphasized their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. The club stated, “We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”

In contrast, Crystal Palace’s captain, Marc Guehi, took a different approach. During a match against Newcastle, he wore a rainbow armband featuring the phrase “I love Jesus,” substituting a heart symbol for the word “love.” As a devout Christian, Guehi’s display raised the potential for disciplinary action, as it might be interpreted as a religious slogan. Regulations stipulate that while “initiative slogans/emblems” are permitted, “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images” are not allowed during games.

The Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign, launched in 2013, collaborates with the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall and includes various activities aimed at fostering community and educational discussions to support LGBTQ+ allies. Throughout stadiums, Rainbow Laces branding can be spotted on items such as corner flags and ball plinths, reinforcing the league’s message.

Internationally, instances of controversy regarding LGBTQ+ support are not unique to the Premier League. For example, in France, Nantes faced criticism when striker Mostafa Mohamed declined to participate in a match against Toulouse, which featured rainbow-colored numbers on jerseys. Additionally, Monaco’s midfielder Mohamed Camara received a four-game suspension for obscuring an anti-homophobia message on his team’s shirt in the final league game of the season last May.