Let’s imagine a scenario: a Premier League team has a racist in the dressing room and that player decides he doesn’t want to join a campaign to end racial discrimination.
Can you imagine the rest of the crew abandoning the case? It would never happen. The team would show their support and allow the individual to take a stand.
So why did Manchester United stop supporting the LGBTQ+ community because of one player’s opinion?
On Wednesday it emerged that Noussair Mazraoui chose not to wear a jacket with a pride theme because of his Muslim faith. So no one did it.
That’s not right. No wonder some of Mazraoui’s teammates would be unhappy with the decision.
Every team, every organization must always do what is right. And if a player chooses not to participate, he has the right to do so.
Manchester United opted not to wear rainbow jackets after Noussair Mazraoui refused to participate
In previous seasons, United wore the top to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community
DailyMail.com columnist Tim Howard
It will turn eyes on them. It can raise some uncomfortable questions. But if they have enough faith and conviction, they can explain their position.
Teams don’t have to protect players. Teams must focus on the greater good, not on the beliefs of one individual.
I tend to have a problem with any faith or religion that doesn’t put human rights first. Jesus knelt next to beggars, sinners and thieves – people from all walks of life.
It’s about compassion. So I’m always in favor of promoting charities that help empower and support other people. I believe teams should do the same.
But I would never force a teammate to do anything. I would just give my opinion on what is good for the team.
If someone believes differently, that’s fine. If – like Ipswich captain Sam Morsy – they decide to stand by their religion, they will not be allowed to participate.
It happened during my time at Everton: a teammate chose not to wear rainbow laces. I didn’t really like that player, but that wasn’t really important.
What mattered was the team.
Mazraoui (left) – a devout Muslim – told his teammates he would not wear it because of his faith
Ipswich captain Sam Morsy and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi have made headlines during LGBTQ+ campaign
I like uncomfortable conversations because I think they are important. That’s why I asked people why they took a certain position. I would express my opinion and try to challenge their perspective.
If I wasn’t a fan of them as an individual, I didn’t mind digging a little deeper and looking a little more for the root cause of their protest.
They would be in the minority and I would remind them that some causes are bigger than any one individual.
But the truth is? You’ll never get an entire team to think the same way. That does not mean that there should be division within the team. But that doesn’t mean teams with the strength and appeal of Manchester United have to give up good causes.