New Delhi: Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi has once again challenged the Football Association’s (FA) guidelines by displaying a religious message on his rainbow-colored captain’s armband during Tuesday’s match against Ipswich Town. The 24-year-old escaped being charged by the FA on Saturday when he added “I love Jesus” to his armband.
All Premier League clubs are wearing the rainbow armbands to show support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports by taking part in Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces charity campaign. While all clubs are encouraged to wear the armband, the FA had warned Guehi and Crystal Palace on Saturday that adding religious messaging to the kit is prohibited under existing regulations.
🚨 Marc Guéhi who could face an FA charge after writing ‘I love Jesus’ on his rainbow-coloured captain’s armband during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home against Newcastle United will NO longer be charged by FA but will remind him that religious messages are prohibited. pic.twitter.com/s4J9mKstUQ
— Galaxy Sports (@GalaxySports001) December 3, 2024
Which slogans are allowed?
Football regulations permit slogans that “promote the game of football, respect, and integrity.” However, “political, religious, or personal slogans, statements, or images” are strictly prohibited. The rules emphasize that violations can result in sanctions imposed by the competition organizer, national football association, or FIFA.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner appealed for calm after his side won the clash by a scoreline of 1-0 at Portman Road, though the focus remains on whether Guehi will face further consequences for his repeated actions.
Sam Morsy’s decision
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy also made headlines by choosing not to wear the rainbow armband during Tuesday’s clash against Palace, citing his religious beliefs. The 33-year-old midfielder, a practicing Muslim, had previously refrained from wearing the armband in his team’s weekend match against Nottingham Forest.
Ipswich have released a statement after captain Sam Morsy opted not to wear the rainbow armband which signifies the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign. pic.twitter.com/WW7jMQ0nCi
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 2, 2024
Ipswich Town released a statement supporting Morsy’s decision, emphasizing respect for individual beliefs while reaffirming their commitment to the Rainbow Laces campaign. The absence of the armband in Tuesday’s match has prompted discussions about how football balances personal religious convictions with efforts to foster inclusivity.
While Morsy’s decision to forgo the armband due to religious beliefs was respected, Guehi’s repeated addition of religious messages to the rainbow armband could lead to disciplinary action from the FA. The football world awaits the FA’s decision on this matter.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi faces FA scrutiny after defying rules by adding religious messages to the rainbow armband while Ipswich Town’s Sam Morsy opts out due to religious beliefs, sparking debate on inclusivity and individual rights in football. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
