Gabriel Jesus could face FA punishment after his celebration for Arsenal in their win over Aston Villa
17:00, 31 Dec 2025
Gabriel Jesus could face FA punishment after Arsenal celebration against Aston Villa
View Image
Gabriel Jesus could face FA punishment after Arsenal celebration against Aston Villa(Image: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Gabriel Jesus scored his first goal since his return to full fitness in a fantastic victory for Arsenal over Aston Villa. Emotions were high for both teams during and after the game as the Gunners moved six points clear of Unai Emery’s side.
Arsenal have been a side often found to be on the receiving end of criticism for celebrations, be it for being too much, too soon or too far, which has often been feverishly pushed back against from the Gunners’ faithful. The Gunners might again be at the centre of another discussion and a potential sanction.
When Jesus scored, he took off his shirt to reveal a message underneath: “I belong to Jesus.” Not an original shirt message, and instead inspired by Brazilian legend Kaka, who wore the shirt in 2007 as AC Milan won against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final.
However, the reason that Jesus could be in line for a potential sanction is due to the rules laid out by The FA.
As is set out in the FA's Law 4 covering 'the player's equipment' the rules state: "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."
That being said, Cody Gakpo, who also revealed a replica of the same message in April 2025, did not receive a sanction. Instead, as reported by the Liverpool Echo, the FA wrote to the Dutch winger and Liverpool to remind the player of the sport’s kit and advertising regulations, but would not charge.
Whether the FA decide to take action this time or instead follows the same process as was seen last April remains to be seen. The FA have been approached for comment.
Article continues below
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts