Detail view of the captain's arm band worn by Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Newcastle United FC
Marc Guehi wrote a religious message on his armband
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi could be reprimanded by the Football Association after writing “I love Jesus” on his Rainbow armband on the weekend.
Palace drew 1-1 with Newcastle on Saturday and both Guehi and Magpies captain Bruno Guimaraes wore Rainbow armbands as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign. The initiative, which was launched in 2013, aims to support and encourage the LGBT+ community, who have faced hostility in the sport over the years.
Guehi was one of the 19 Premier League captains to sport the Rainbow armband – with Ipswich’s Sam Morsy the only exception, due to religious reasons. However, Guehi’s decision to modify his armband could land him in hot water with the FA.
The England centre-back wrote “I love Jesus” on his armband – a message which appears to contravene the laws of the game. The FA allows “initiative slogans/emblems promoting the game of football, respect and integrity," but forbids "political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images.”
Captains "must wear an armband which is simple and conforms to the requirements of Law 4 relating to slogans, statements, images and advertising." The same law states that "for any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA."
Speaking to The Athletic in 2021, Guehi explained the importance of Christianity to his life: “I’ve grown up loving God and when I have had the chance I still go to church with my family, and my faith is definitely a big part of my life. Faith is everything that I’m involved with, really; even in football, where I’m trying to be a role model and show God’s graciousness and God’s glory through my life.”
Ipswich captain Morsy faced a backlash on Monday after Mirror Football revealed that he was the only Premier League captain to refuse to wear the Rainbow armband. Morsy is a practising Muslim and made the stance on religious grounds.
Bruno Guimaraes and Marc Guehi were among the Premier League captains to wear the armbands
The Tractor Boys released a statement highlighting the club’s LGBTQ+ initiatives, but added: “At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs. We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”
In response, Ipswich's LGBT+ fan group the Rainbow Tractors told Mirror Football: “While Rainbow Tractors were aware in advance of the decision, we are disappointed that Sam Morsy chose to not wear the rainbow armband in support of the Rainbow Laces campaign.
“Rainbow Laces is a great campaign that supports with LGBTQ+ inclusion, and is an important one for fans and players within the community to know they are welcome in football. We do, however, continue to respect his religious beliefs as we have done in previous seasons.”
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