New Delhi: Marc Guehi will not face punishment for wearing a rainbow armband with “I love Jesus” over it. The Football Association are instead all set to contact Crystal Palace’s and the club for warning in line with regulations against displaying religious messages.
Captains of all the Premier League clubs were given an armband for promotion of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign which runs between November 29th and December 5th. During the Magpies 1-1 draw against Newcastle, Guehi, whose father was a minister in a local church in south-east London, was spotted wearing the armband with an added message.
BREAKING: Crystal Palace Captain Marc Guehi
would NOT be charged by the FA for having the message “I love Jesus” on his rainbow armband but will remind him that religious messages are prohibited. pic.twitter.com/urBoBPJuwr
— WAHALANETWORK (@WahalanetworkB) December 3, 2024
According to the governing body’s rule, the appearance or any type of hint on any clothing item, football shoes or other equipment with any kind of religious message is prohibited. The FA have though declined to comment if a repeat of a similar action could lead to any kind of charging, for now the club and the English defender will only be reminded about the rules.
The team captains will again wear the rainbow armband during the Premier League’s first-midweek clash of the season, with Palace playing Ipswich Town. During Ipswich’s previous game against Nottingham Forest, their captain Sam Morsy had decided against wearing the band, citing religious beliefs.
The FA have noted that this is not their matter of concern as it doesn’t breach any regulation and more an internal affair of Ipswich. Ipswich have since clarified their stance on the matter, noting they were a club of “inclusivity”. However, they noted that they “respected their captain’s decision”. Ipswich have instead planned to take over the stadium’s big screen prior to the kick-off for their show of support.
They concluded that they are working towards making the atmosphere in the club one of valuing and respecting everyone as they showed their support for the LGBTQ+ community. There have been ongoing criticism over Morsy’s decision not to sport the armband, with many noting the captain’s responsibility.
While many of the LGBTQ+ community including former Wales captain Laura McAllister, criticised the Egyptian for his stance, they have taken the positive response that football captains have reacted with to the initiave.
FA have decided to just serve a reminder to Mark Guehi and Crystal Palace over sporting “I love Jesus” on rainbow armband. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
