Detail view of the captain's arm band worn by Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace - Marc Guehi faces warning for writing 'I love Jesus' on rainbow armband
Marc Guehi played against Newcastle wearing his customised armband
Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace and England defender, will be reminded of his responsibilities to adhere to the regulations after falling foul of Football Association rules by writing “I love Jesus” on his rainbow armband at the weekend.
The Premier League and its clubs are celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion in midweek fixtures this week, having also done so in last weekend’s matches. As part of this celebration, which aligns with Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, captains are wearing rainbow armbands.
In Palace’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Saturday, Guehi’s armband had “I love Jesus” written above the usual “captain” branding.
The laws of the game forbid any player from having religious statements or slogans on their equipment and Telegraph Sport understands the FA will contact both Guehi and Palace as a result of the defender’s action.
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace wears the Rainbow Laces captains armband with the words 'I heart Jesus' - Marc Guehi faces warning for writing 'I love Jesus' on rainbow armband
Guehi will be reminded of his responsibilities by the Football Association
Law 4 of the International Football Association Board’s Laws of the Game states: “Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo.
“For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by Fifa.”
Those laws add: “The captain must wear an armband which is simple and conforms to the requirements of Law 4 relating to slogans, statements, images and advertising. It may be issued or authorised by the competition organiser.”
It comes as Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy is not expected to face any disciplinary action for refusing to wear the rainbow armband because of his “religious beliefs”.
Morsy, the Egypt international who is a practising Muslim, wore the usual captain’s armband during his team’s defeat by Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Sam Morsy refused to wear the rainbow armband against Nottingham Forest at the weekend
Sam Morsy refused to wear the rainbow armband against Nottingham Forest at the weekend
In a statement, Ipswich said: “We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.
“During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first-teams visited our foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of Saturday’s game.
“A range of further initiatives are planned around Tuesday’s home game with Crystal Palace, including a takeover of the stadium’s big screen in the moments prior to kick-off.
“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.”