Religious beliefs put two captains in spotlight during Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign

Advertisement

Advertise with us

LONDON - The captains of two Premier League teams are in the spotlight for their choices as the competition celebrates LGBTQ+ inclusion in its campaign to promote equality and diversity.

Read this article for free:


or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Subscribe and receive a limited-edition Free Press branded hat or tote.

Digital Subscription

One year of digital access for only $205*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/12/2024 (679 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LONDON – The captains of two Premier League teams are in the spotlight for their choices as the competition celebrates LGBTQ+ inclusion in its campaign to promote equality and diversity.

Rainbow-colored captain armbands were issued to the 20 clubs for matches last weekend and the current midweek round.

Ipswich’s Sam Morsy has been the only captain in action who didn’t wear the rainbow armband, in games against Nottingham Forest on Saturday and Crystal Palace on Tuesday. Ipswich said after the Forest game that Morsy made the decision “due to his religious beliefs.”

Newcastle United's Harvey Barnes, left, and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Newcastle United at Selhurst Park, London, Saturday Nov. 30, 2024. (Ben Whitley/PA via AP)
Newcastle United's Harvey Barnes, left, and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Newcastle United at Selhurst Park, London, Saturday Nov. 30, 2024. (Ben Whitley/PA via AP)

Morsy, a British-born Egypt midfielder, is a practicing Muslim.

Ipswich said it “respect(s) the decision” of Morsy but is “committed to being a fully inclusive club.”

“We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch,” Ipswich said.

Palace captain Marc Guehi wore a rainbow armband bearing the words “I love Jesus” on it during the match against Newcastle on Saturday. A heart was used instead of the word “love.”

The England defender, who is a devout Christian, and Palace were contacted by the Football Association reminding them that the appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, soccer boots or other equipment of any religious message is prohibited under Rule A4 of the governing body’s regulations, Britain’s PA news agency reported Tuesday.

For the game against Ipswich, Guehi’s message on the rainbow armband read, “Jesus loves you” — again using a heart sign. It raises the prospect of the player being sanctioned by the FA for defying its rules.

Ipswich Town's Sam Morsy, bottom, tackles Manchester United's Marcus Rashford during the English Premier League soccer match between Ipswich Town and Manchester United at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich, England, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)
Ipswich Town's Sam Morsy, bottom, tackles Manchester United's Marcus Rashford during the English Premier League soccer match between Ipswich Town and Manchester United at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich, England, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

Addressing the issue after the match, Palace manager Oliver Glasner said: “We respect every player and especially Marc. He is our captain. Everyone knows he is a great guy, very humble, and I don’t think we should make it bigger than it is. In football we are all against discrimination and it’s a great campaign.

“We spoke about it. He’s no child, he’s an adult, he has his opinion and we respect it.”

The league’s Rainbow Laces campaign, introduced in 2013, is in partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall and includes a range of activities to “highlight community and education initiatives designed to encourage discussion and promote allyship with LGBTQ+ communities,” the competition said. Rainbow Laces branding is widely visible within stadiums on things like corner flags and ball plinths.

It is not mandatory for captains to wear the rainbow armband and it is deemed a personal choice. Last season, Anel Ahmedhodzic, the then-Sheffield United captain, wore a standard armband instead of the rainbow version.

In France, Nantes fined striker Mostafa Mohamed for refusing to play against Toulouse last year on the weekend teams wore rainbow-colored numbers on their jerseys to support the fight against homophobia. In May, Monaco midfielder Mohamed Camara was given a four-game suspension by the league for covering up an anti-homophobia message on the team’s shirt during the club’s final league game of the season.

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi wears the Rainbow Laces captain's armband which has the words 'Jesus Heart You' on during the England Premier League soccer match between Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace at Portman Road, Ipswich, England, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Zac Goodwin/PA via AP)
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi wears the Rainbow Laces captain's armband which has the words 'Jesus Heart You' on during the England Premier League soccer match between Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace at Portman Road, Ipswich, England, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Zac Goodwin/PA via AP)

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Report Error Submit a Tip

The Free Press acknowledges the financial support it receives from members of the city’s faith community, which makes our coverage of religion possible.

More Stories

Creatures’ comfort key to coping with loss

Maureen Scurfield 5 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: Not long ago I lost my husband to illness at far too young an age. My spouse was a great guy, but I do want another one.

I just want to pass on a little tip. When my husband was dying, he encouraged me to bring home warm and loving pets to our acreage just outside the city. They were my saviours when my husband was ill.

Since he has died, they continue to help me keep warm, happy and affectionate. They were my greatest comfort in the later stages when my man was in too much pain to hold me or be held. The cats and the dog would welcome me home from the hospital and transfer their cuddling to me, giving me all the attention I needed, and I always felt so loved.

I have been dating a fair bit for a fairly recent widow because I’m ready to be held and loved, and I feel my husband and the pets saying, “Way to go.”

Collaros turns back the clock in crucial win over Stamps

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Collaros turns back the clock in crucial win over Stamps

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026

It was around this time seven years ago that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers officially became Zach Collaros’s team.

Making his first start in blue and gold after being acquired via trade, Collaros ran backwards to escape a collapsing pocket before rolling to his right and firing a perfect pass to Darvin Adams in the back corner of the south end zone during a home game against the Calgary Stampeders.

The play marked the beginning of the Collaros era in Winnipeg.

And a similar play Saturday night, once again against the Stampeders, served as a reminder that the 38-year-old pivot isn’t done just yet.

Read
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026

‘People count on this place’: Pembina Hwy. Giant Tiger latest location slated to close

By Matthew Frank 3 minute read Preview

‘People count on this place’: Pembina Hwy. Giant Tiger latest location slated to close

By Matthew Frank 3 minute read Yesterday at 4:34 PM CDT

Another Giant Tiger store in Winnipeg will shutter next year, leaving some area residents concerned about a lack of affordable groceries in the neighbourhood.

Red papers taped to the front doors of the Canadian retail chain’s location at Pembina Highway and Southpark Drive indicate it will close Feb. 27.

Doreen Yanchuk, a self-described bargain hunter, shook her head when she saw the signs Monday. The 67-year-old said she’s a regular customer at the location because it’s a five-minute drive from her home.

“They have very good sales here, which draws people to the shop because everything is expensive,” Yanchuk said.

Read
Yesterday at 4:34 PM CDT

A question of public utility

Tom Pearson 5 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

The editorial page of the Free Press often provides perspectives that are thought-provoking and sometimes contradictory. “Keeping the lights on,” (Oct. 5) by Hal Turner and “Wasteful operations should be held accountable,” (Oct. 6) by Barry Prentice are both thought-provoking. They are not contradictory because they cover two quite different topics. Where they differ is in their delivery and the quality of the underlying facts.

Mr. Turner provides what is, in my view, the most cogent rationale for gas-fuelled generation that I have read. He highlights the essential aspect of power supply to Manitobans. He supports the argument for natural gas generation with succinct, relatable facts and anecdotes relating to what other comparable utilities have done. He states that, “Manitoba Hydro’s experts are neither anti-wind nor pro-fossil fuel.” They are simply seeking the best possible solution for Manitobans — a fact many special-interest groups either ignore or sadly, impugn.

Although some would argue the contrary, I believe that Mr. Turner’s position and longevity in the Manitoba Hydro organization lend gravitas to his column. Mr. Turner understands that “keeping the lights on” is a non-negotiable requirement and a public trust.

Before I turn to Mr. Prentice’s column, I should disclose that before I retired (it’s been a while), I was responsible at different times for Winnipeg’s regional water system and subsequently water supply from source to tap. In that context I was also responsible for the operation of the Greater Winnipeg Water District (GWWD) railway. Like Mr. Turner’s perspective on the supply of electricity to Manitobans, I regard the supply of safe drinking water to Winnipeggers as a public trust.

Woman accused of pulling handgun on taxi driver

1 minute read Yesterday at 10:39 AM CDT

A 45-year-old woman accused of pulling a handgun on a Winnipeg taxi driver is facing multiple firearms-related charges.

It happened Sunday afternoon, at about 2:30 p.m., near the intersection of Concordia Avenue and Louelda Street. Officers learned a woman got into a cab in the Munroe East neighbourhood and pulled out a handgun, asking the driver to take her to a specific location, the Winnipeg Police Service stated in a news release.

The taxi driver activated the taxi's emergency beacon, exited the vehicle, and contacted police.

The woman got into the driver's seat of the taxi, but the keys had been removed, and she fled on foot. A suspect was arrested shortly afterward in the 1000 block of Concordia Avenue. Police seized a .22-calibre handgun during the arrest.

Jets encouraged by play through first five games

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Preview

Jets encouraged by play through first five games

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026

Turkey. Stuffing. And a heaping helping of rest and recovery.

The Winnipeg Jets have plenty to be thankful for this holiday weekend, including a solid 3-1-1 start to the NHL campaign. Players and coaches are also counting their blessings at finally getting a breather after a busy stretch of five games in eight days.

“We don’t have another (break like this) until a week before Christmas. So we’re going to take advantage of it,” head coach Scott Arniel said following the club’s first regulation loss, a 5-1 stinker on Friday night against the visiting Anaheim Ducks.

To borrow a funny old Thanksgiving-related phrase from former defenceman Nate Schmidt, the hockey club was “leaking gravy.” They looked like a group that could use a timeout — which they’ll get since they don’t play again until hosting the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night.

Read
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026