An unnamed Premier League footballer reportedly raised concerns with his club after becoming uneasy that repeated promotional appearances during the Rainbow Laces campaign could lead to him being “perceived as gay.”
The issue comes as the Premier League rolls out a new inclusion initiative to support LGBTQ+ people in football.
According to The Athletic, the player appeared on the front of his club’s matchday programme during the Rainbow Laces campaign for two consecutive seasons and worried about how fans and the public might interpret his visibility.
The concerns coincide with the league’s changes to LGBTQ+ campaigns. The Premier League has ended its long-running partnership with Stonewall, meaning captains are no longer required to wear rainbow armbands, and players are not obliged to use rainbow laces or pride-themed warm-up kits.
Instead, the league is exploring alternative symbols of support, including a potential pride-themed match ball in future seasons. However, this year’s dedicated gameweek, scheduled for Feb. 6–12, is too soon to implement that change.
The shift follows reported reluctance from some Premier League and English Football League players to participate in previous initiatives. Last season, Manchester United scrapped plans for pride-themed Adidas jackets before a match against Everton after defender Noussair Mazraoui declined to wear one. Similarly, Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy opted out of wearing a rainbow armband, citing his religious beliefs.
The unnamed player’s complaint, The Athletic reports, was not against LGBTQ+ inclusion but reflected concern about being mischaracterised, fearing he would be seen as gay rather than as an ally.
As part of the revamped campaign, the Premier League has partnered with London-based marketing agency Nomad Studio to promote inclusion and strengthen internal support for players and staff seeking guidance on LGBTQ+-related issues.
