A Premier League footballer has privately questioned his club over his repeated association with the Rainbow Laces campaign, expressing concern that the exposure could lead to him being “perceived as gay.”
The issue emerged as the Premier League introduces a reworked inclusion drive aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ people in football, while easing compulsory participation for players.
The Athletic reports that the unnamed player appeared on the front cover of his club’s matchday programme during the Rainbow Laces initiative in back-to-back seasons. While the appearances were intended to promote solidarity, the player reportedly felt uneasy about the message being inferred by supporters and the public.
The concern coincides with broader structural changes within the league. The Premier League has ended its formal partnership with Stonewall, removing requirements for captains to wear rainbow armbands and for teams to use pride-themed laces or warm-up kits.
League officials are now considering alternative symbols, including the possible use of a pride-themed match ball in future seasons. However, this year’s dedicated Rainbow Laces fixture window, scheduled for February 6 to 12, is understood to be too soon for such adjustments.
The revised approach follows a series of opt-outs by players in recent campaigns. Last season, Manchester United dropped plans to wear a pride-themed Adidas jacket ahead of a match against Everton after defender Noussair Mazraoui declined to participate. Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy also chose not to wear a rainbow armband, citing religious reasons.
According to The Athletic, the player’s objection was not linked to opposition to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Instead, the concern centred on being mislabelled, with the footballer uncomfortable that repeated visibility could blur the distinction between allyship and personal identity.
As part of the refreshed campaign, the Premier League has partnered with London-based agency Nomad Studio. The collaboration is intended to deliver a more flexible inclusion message while expanding internal support for players and staff seeking guidance on LGBTQ+-related matters.
