The Football Association (FA) has confirmed whether Ipswich captain Sam Morsy could be charged over his decision to not wear the rainbow armband in the Premier League at the weekend.
Morsy, 33, chose not to wear the armband in Saturday’s Premier League defeat at Nottingham Forest because of his religious beliefs as a practising Muslim.
Premier League captains have been asked to wear the armband as a show of support for LGBTQ+ inclusion, as part of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign between November 29 and December 5.
Egypt international Morsy, however, opted not to wear the armband during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Forest.
Ipswich said in a statement they are “committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone” but that they respect their captain’s decision due to his “religious beliefs”.
The FA has confirmed to SPORTbible that Morsy’s refusal to wear the armband does not amount to a breach of its kit and advertising regulations, and therefore the Ipswich captain is not at risk of being charged.
It is up to individual players and their clubs to decide if they want to wear the armband.
In an official statement released after Morsy’s decision, LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall said: “It has been incredible to see so many football teams at all levels support our Rainbow Laces campaign to make sport safer and more inclusive for all.
“When clubs like Ipswich Town FC show their support, it helps people feel safe and welcome both on and off the pitch.
“It is up to individuals to choose if and how they show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.”
The FA has also opted not to charge Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi for writing the phrase ‘I love Jesus’ on his armband for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
Sam Morsy chose not to wear the armband against Nottingham Forest (Image: Getty)
Rule A4 of the FA’s kit and advertising regulations prohibit the “appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message”.
That Guehi chose to write a religious slogan on the armband supporting LGBTQ+ issues could potentially have been interpreted by the FA as an aggravating factor.
But the governing body has opted against charging the England international.
It has, however, contacted Palace to ‘formally remind’ them the appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message is prohibited, as reported by The Mirror.
SPORTbible has contacted the Premier League and the FA for comment.