Ipswich captain, Sam Morsy, has been heavily criticised on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter) after he refused to wear the rainbow armband in support of the LGBTQ community.
Morsuy did not wear the LGBTQ-designed armband for Ipswich's 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
According to Ipswich, their skipper's decision stems from his religious belief which the club has agreed.
Ipswich's explanation has triggered a backlash from several users on X who claim to have labelled the player as a hypocrite.
Some dug images of Morsy wearing kits with gambling logos in his previous clubs to back their claim.
Others have also accused him of being homophobic but to hide behind 'religious beliefs'.
Meanwhile, half of the users backed the player's decision, asserting that the LGBTQ community should accept others' decisions not to support them.
Premier League captains wear rainbow armbands for matches played from November 29 to December 5 as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign.
The campaign highlights the Premier League's commitment to diversity and its support for LGBTQ+ individuals in football and beyond.
Read some reactions below
Set a standard and stand strong, you have freedom, their illness is not your reality https://t.co/KshnfhvRNm
— Janiz (@Janiz_M_) December 3, 2024
might be a ‘woke’ opinion but if you aren’t gonna wear the armband you don’t deserve to be captain. either you support everyone or you’re not captain, imagine if ipswich have a gay player who isn’t out or ipswich’s gay fans. that’s their captain. https://t.co/pkAtqGcwd8
— Paisley⚽️ (@imissmilner) December 2, 2024
“Religious beliefs” is such a cop out excuse.
— speirs6🔴⚪️ (@ssgooner6) December 2, 2024
Had no issue with wearing a shirt sponsored by a betting company though did he. But draws the line at a colourful armband, give me strength. https://t.co/h79jKB3RVc pic.twitter.com/oM0flUMTk5
Sam Morsy 100% correct here. Doesn’t have to wear it if he doesn’t want to and not one person should have a problem with that. Simple, move on 👍🏼 https://t.co/AWIwVSvm8Z
— ben (@benenwiya) December 2, 2024
It is quite funny how we’ve never heard a Muslim footballer refuse to wear a betting sponsor. Also as a champion of another just social cause it’s sad Morsy can’t find the same empathy and support for another group of people oppressed throughout many parts of the globe https://t.co/pkXsPM7bvu
— Lukas (@lholsyv3) December 2, 2024
Pathetic from Sam Morsy. As others have pointed out he will happily wear betting sponsorships on his shirt.
— AFC (@trsnfr) December 2, 2024
Just say you’re homophobic and move on. Stop using your religion as a scapegoat for your homophobia https://t.co/0Pega7B6qv
Look what I found😌😁 https://t.co/83fNzIPjsZ pic.twitter.com/pBaZSaEGzY
— 𝐌𝐢𝐚 ⚢ (@miaanderssoon) December 2, 2024
Never had any issues wearing gambling sponsors though have you
— william ash (@williamashh) December 2, 2024
Prick https://t.co/2RWpNYN6le pic.twitter.com/tgbY4aOKtT
God bless him , he is the only smart captain amidst this premier league madness https://t.co/EK5oFDviDE
— 30BG lastborn 🇧🇪🇧🇪 (@blynkzberry) December 3, 2024
But you was happy to wear a betting sponsor on your shirt though Sam? https://t.co/HwrDiIl9Fm pic.twitter.com/6XKD2WgDAu
— ۟ (@reecepst) December 2, 2024
very happy to wear kits covered in gambling sponsors though because his religion is so important to him https://t.co/fiJuxy1VRp
— juan 🏴 (@juasanalghaib) December 2, 2024
if morsy doesn’t want to wear a rainbow armband then he shouldn’t be forced to, but religion seems like a weak excuse when he’s happy to wear gambling and music sponsors 🤷♀️ the simple option would have been to have another player (e.g. chaplin) take the duties for the game #itfc https://t.co/4DHCpGn08y
— kt (@ktlngfrd) December 2, 2024
How come it’s fine to wear a shirt that promotes gambling tho ? https://t.co/MjwtfiueHt
— Mackenzie Boe (@BoeMackenzie) December 3, 2024
Legend 👌 https://t.co/pg4TfBJrFZ
— Abrar (@AbrarrongaVoice) December 2, 2024
but no issue with betting sponsors, sam? interesting, interesting. https://t.co/hdLOAaGwgN pic.twitter.com/qQ9uiHMGVr
— harry™ 🏳️🌈 (@SCARFYYYY) December 2, 2024
Respect 🫡 https://t.co/ZkG0ln1XSx
— 🚬 (@SarriEra_) December 3, 2024
🫡 what a guy https://t.co/lEICzrqmf5
— bryan (@bryyan65) December 3, 2024
Religious beliefs are valid, and respecting them is important.
— Tom 🫧✨🌸 (@tomfisher18) December 3, 2024
BUT if you’re fine wearing kits with gambling or alcohol sponsors while refusing to support gay rights, it’s not about faith—it’s hypocrisy.
Just admit it’s homophobia and leave religion out of it. 🤡💀 https://t.co/GexilPRmaZ
EE/EK
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