Premier League star ‘confronted club for making him appear to be gay’ after being put on successive Rainbow Laces covers

Premier League star ‘confronted club for making him appear to be gay’ after being put on successive Rainbow Laces covers

An unnamed Premier League footballer reportedly challenged his club after developing uneasy that repeated promotional exposure in the course of the Rainbow Laces duration may want to lead to him being “perceived as gay.”

the problem has emerged because the Premier League launches a brand new inclusion marketing campaign aimed at assisting LGBTQ+ human beings in soccer.

according to a file through The Athletic, the player appeared on the front of his club’s matchday programme at some point of the Rainbow Laces marketing campaign for two consecutive seasons and have become concerned about how fans and the public might interpret this visibility.

the concern surfaced in opposition to the backdrop of modifications to the league’s method to LGBTQ+ campaigns. The Premier League has ended its long-going for walks partnership with Stonewall, meaning captains are now not required to put on rainbow armbands, and gamers aren’t obliged to use rainbow laces or delight-themed heat-up kits.

alternatively, the league is exploring alternative symbols of help, which include the possible creation of a pride-themed suit ball in destiny seasons. This yr’s committed gameweek, scheduled among 6 and 12 February, is considered too soon for that change to be carried out.

The shift follows suggested reluctance from some players throughout the Premier League and English soccer League to participate in previous initiatives. closing season, Manchester United scrapped plans to put on a satisfaction-themed Adidas jacket in advance of a in shape with Everton after defender Noussair Mazraoui declined to wear it.

further, Ipswich metropolis captain Sam Morsy opted not to put on a rainbow armband, citing his spiritual ideals. The Athletic record says the unnamed participant’s grievance was once no longer about opposing LGBTQ+ inclusion, but approximately being mischaracterised, with the participant worried he might be seen as homosexual in place of as an best friend.

As part of the revamped campaign, the Premier League has partnered with London-based totally marketing business enterprise Nomad Studio to promote inclusion whilst additionally strengthening inner guide structures for gamers and group of workers looking for help on LGBTQ+-associated troubles.