Premier League LGBTQ+ armbands no longer compulsory after player complains Rainbow Laces misrepresented him
The move is part of the Premier League’s new LGBTQ+ initiative, With Pride
By Aaron Sugg
Premier League captains will no longer be required to wear rainbow armbands after a player raised concerns about being associated with the Rainbow Laces campaign.
The player said his association with the LGBTQ+ initiative, run in partnership with charity Stonewall, gave the impression that he was gay.
According to The Athletic, the complaint was not rooted in opposition to LGBTQ+ equality initiatives, but instead focused on issues of personal identity, representation and the messaging associated with the image.
The issue has emerged as the Premier League announced its new LGBTQ+ inclusion campaign, With Pride, which will run from 6 to 13 February 2026.
“Premier League With Pride demonstrates our ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community” – Premier League chief executive Richard Masters on With Pride
Marking the end of the Rainbow Laces initiative, which had been in place since 2014, the new With Pride framework will see several changes:
* Team captains will no longer be required to wear rainbow armbands
* Pride-themed warm-up jackets and rainbow boot laces will not be mandatory
* Inclusion messaging will instead be delivered through stadium screens, pitch-side advertising, handshake boards and other matchday infrastructure
* The league is now considering introducing a pride-themed match ball instead.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said in a statement published on the League’s official website: “Premier League With Pride demonstrates our ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community, and our commitment to ensuring that football is for everyone and that inclusivity is embedded across all areas of the game.”
He continued: “I am pleased that progress has been made in recent years, and we will maintain our work with clubs to ensure this continues. This includes taking action against discrimination both in stadiums and online, as well as celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.”
“Education is important in helping people develop a stronger understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion” – Masters on representation in football
“We want everyone involved in football to feel welcome, supported and comfortable being themselves. Education is important in helping people develop a stronger understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion and the importance of showing support, challenging inequality and making the case for greater representation,” Masters concluded.
The League is also collaborating with the national LGBTQ+ support line Switchboard. Its chief executive, Stephanie Fuller, said: “Football has a unique power to build and strengthen communities, often creating lifelong friendships. However, every now and then, we all need somewhere else to discuss things that can feel difficult to share.”
“Switchboard has been providing a safe, non-judgemental, non-directive and confidential space for the LGBTQ+ community since 1974,” she continued.
“They’re not alone and that support from our trained volunteers is on hand” – Switchboard chief executive, Stephanie Fuller on the LGBTQ+ helpline
“Through our collaboration with the Premier League, we will ensure LGBTQ+ people across the football community know they’re not alone and that support from our trained volunteers is on hand, 365 days a year.”
The initiative continued to push for LGBTQ+ support in football stadiums, to combat homophobia and transphobia, and to ensure that the environment remains a safe space for all.
Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign was relaunched last month, after research revealed LGBTQ+ people remain significantly more likely to experience discrimination while exercising.
The new campaign has seen support from the likes of Dame Kelly Holmes and Josh Cavallo, with a renewed focus on encouraging LGBTQ+ people to move, play and participate.
If members of the LGBTQ+ community are struggling with their mental health and need to speak to someone, they can visit the Switchboard official website to find out more.
