Anel Ahmedhodzic 'provides cryptic one-word response' after becoming the first captain in seven years NOT to wear the rainbow armband in Sheffield United's defeat to Liverpool

Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic reportedly gave a one-word response when questioned on his decision not to wear the rainbow armband.

Bosnia-Herzegovina star Ahmedhodzic has made 52 appearances for the Blades since joining from Swedish club Malmo FF in the summer of 2022 and played a key role in their promotion from the Championship last season. 

However, Ahmedhodzic caused controversy last week when he became the first captain to not wear the rainbow armband in seven years during Sheffield United's loss to Liverpool on Wednesday night. 

Ahmedhodzic was given captaincy duties in the absence of John Egan and Chris Basham but did not wear the special armband, opting for the standard one instead. 

All 20 Premier League captains are required to wear an armband featuring traditional Pride colours in allocated matches - which included the Liverpool game -  as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign. 

Reds captain Van Dijk wore the armband as did the likes of Arsenal's Martin Odegaard and Manchester City's Kyle Walker during the midweek fixtures.

Although Ahmedhodzic didn't provide an official response as to why he didn't wear it, Swedish outlet SVT Sport claimed he got back to them when questioned via text message, as the defender cryptically said: 'Guess', before failing to answer further questions.

Feyenoord's Orkun Kokcu also refused to wear the armband last year, citing religion as a reason.

When told Ahmedhodzic didn't wear a rainbow armband post-match, Blades boss Chris Wilder stated that he was unaware of the situation. 

'I didn't know,' he said. 'It's not a club decision or a personal decision. I just didn't know he did that.'

Ahmedhodzic captained the Blades again during Saturday's 1-0 victory over Brentford, but as this wasn't an allocated game for the Pride-coloured armband, the wearing of the usual one was uncontroversial. 

In the previous match against Burnley - when Sheffield United lost 5-0 in what was Paul Heckingbottom's final game - Oliver Norwood had worn the armband with Pride colours. 

The win over the Bees was a huge result for Wilder but still left his side five points off safety after a tricky start to the campaign.