There was something a little absurd about Ipswich Town’s statement this week, which attempted to make a Cruyff-turn halfway through. Their captain Sam Morsy opted against wearing a rainbow-coloured armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community due to his “religious beliefs” (otherwise known as his beliefs), and it left the club in an awkward position. Ipswich proudly support the LGBTQ+ community; Ipswich proudly stand by their captain’s decision not to show any support to the LGBTQ+ community.
The 33-year-old Morsy, who grew up in Wolverhampton and represents Egypt through his father, is a practicing Muslim, and we might reasonably assume from his decision that he believes homosexuality to be a sin. That left Ipswich performing the kind of highwire act Premier League clubs are increasingly required to pull off, pointing to their involvement in worthy community events and education while respecting his position. Though, perhaps if the club were really committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, choosing another captain for the day might have made for a stronger message.
