Sam Morsy: Reaction to Ipswich Town captain's decision not to wear Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces armband
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy’s decision not to wear the rainbow armband has sparked a strong debate in the footballing community.
SuffolkNews reported on Tuesday the Blues skipper did not take part in the Rainbow Laces campaign, as all the other 19 Premier League captains did, due to his religious beliefs – Morsy is a practising Muslim.
The club has stood behind the midfielder, who has played for the Tractor Boys since 2021; some have suggested it was hypocritical of Morsy not to wear the rainbow armband when previously he has sported shirts with gambling sponsors, while others have suggested he is entitled to his own beliefs.
Gambling is forbidden according to Islamic law. The Premier League said it was not compulsory for team captains to wear the armband.
James Scowcroft played more than 200 times for Ipswich Town. He said while Morsy was entitled to his own beliefs, another player should have been captain during the Rainbow Laces games.
He said: “The club has an immaculate reputation of being a family-oriented club where everyone is welcome.
“He (Morsy) has been an outstanding captain for Ipswich, but on that day someone else should have been captain.”
Scowcroft’s view is one that has been practiced before.
In 2022, the then captain of Eredivise club Feyenoord, Orkun Kökçü, decided he would not wear a similar armband in a round of fixtures.
Instead, Austrian centre-back Gernot Trauner captained the side.
At the time, Kökçü said he respected everyone regardless of religion, background or preference, but because of his beliefs he did not feel he was the right person to support the campaign.
Rainbow Tractors, the Ipswich Town LGBTQ+ supporters group, said it was disappointed the captain had decided to not wear the armband, but respected his religious beliefs.
A spokesperson said: “While Rainbow Tractors were aware in advance of the decision, we are disappointed that Sam Morsy chose to not wear the rainbow armband in support of the Rainbow Laces campaign.
“We do, however, continue to respect his religious beliefs as we have done in previous seasons.
“Ipswich Town Football Club has shown a long-term commitment to the LGBTQ+ community over the last few years, and continue to do so with a wide range of initiatives.”
The spokesperson added Rainbow Laces is a great campaign that supports LGBTQ+ inclusion, and is important for fans and players within the community to know they are welcome in football.
The group and Ipswich Town remain committed to working together to ensure all LGBTQ+ fans feel safe and welcome at Portman Road.
In the wake of the captain’s decision, the club issued a statement reiterating this commitment, adding it proudly supported the Rainbow Laces campaign.
The statement 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.
“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.”
