Why my old team Man United were wrong to protect Muslim rainbow protest star Noussair Mazraoui, writes TIM HOWARD

Let’s imagine a scenario: a Premier League team has a racist in the dressing room and that player decides they don’t want to join a campaign to end racial discrimination.

Could you imagine the rest of the squad abandoning the cause? It would never, ever happen. The team would show their support and they would allow the individual to take a stand.

So why did Manchester United pull out of supporting the LGBTQ + community because of the views of one player?

It emerged on Wednesday that Noussair Mazraoui opted not to wear a pride-themed jacket because of his Muslim faith. So no one did.

That is wrong – no wonder some of Mazraoui’s teammates were said to be unhappy with the decision.

Any team, any organization should always do what is right. And if one player chooses not to take part, they are entitled to do that.

It will bring eyes on them. It might bring some uncomfortable questions. But if they have a strong enough faith and conviction, then they can explain their position.

Teams don’t have to protect players. Teams should focus on the greater good, not the beliefs of one individual.

I tend to have a problem with any faith or any religion that doesn’t put human rights first. Jesus knelt beside beggars and sinners and thieves – people from all walks of life.

It’s about compassion. So I am always in favor of promoting causes that help to empower and support other people. I believe teams should do the same.

But I would never force a teammate to do anything. I would only ever voice my opinion on what is right for the team.

If an individual believes otherwise, that is fine. If – like Ipswich captain Sam Morsy – they decide to stand behind their religion then they should not take part.

It happened during my time at Everton – a teammate chose not to wear rainbow laces. I didn’t particularly like that player but, in truth, that wasn’t important.

What mattered was the team.

I enjoy uncomfortable conversations because I think they’re important. So I would ask people why they were taking a particular stand. I would voice my views and try to challenge their perspective.

If I wasn’t a fan of them as an individual, I didn’t mind digging a little bit deeper and picking a little bit more at the root cause of their protest.

They would be outnumbered and I might remind them that some causes are bigger than any individual.

But the truth is? You’re never going to get an entire team to think alike. That doesn’t mean it has to cause a rift within the squad. But that doesn’t mean teams with the power and appeal of Manchester United should abandon good causes, either.