Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi could face an FA charge after writing “I Love Jesus” on his rainbow-coloured captain’s armband.
The defender chose to scribble a three-word statement on his armband during Palace’s 1-1 home draw against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.
The FA rules allow a number of “initiative slogans/emblems”, such as Rainbow Laces, but prohibit “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.
Now, according to ESPNGuehi could face a backlash from the FA as another law states that captains “must wear an armband that is simple and complies with the requirements of Law 4 in relation to slogans, statements, images and advertising.”
The outlet claims that Guehi’s decision to write on the armband, intended to support LGBTQ+ issues in sport, could be seen as “an aggravating factor.”
Guehi is a devout Christian and previously spoke about how his faith still plays an important role in his football career.
Marc Guehi could face FA charge after writing on his captain’s armband in rainbow colors
The Crystal Palace star scrawled “I love Jesus” on his armband against Newcastle on Saturday.
talking to The AthleticHe said: ‘I grew up loving God and when I had the chance I still go to church with my family, and my faith is definitely a big part of my life.
‘Faith is all I’m involved in, really; Even in football, where I try to be a role model and show the grace and glory of God through my life.’
Guehi comes from a religious home and his father, John, is a minister of the church. Indeed, his role in the church caused programming drama during the Euros, after attending a church service in Lewisham on the day of England’s clash with Serbia.
Due to the scheduling hiccup, Guehi admitted that “God comes first” and that he hoped his father would be at the service rather than at his match with England at the Euros.
Gehi admitted: ‘Usually, God comes first. I would hope he was at the church but he might show up, I don’t know. I’ll have to message him later to ask him.
On Monday, a report claimed that Ipswich City captain Sam Morsy refused to wear a rainbow armband during his team’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest for religious reasons.
First launched in 2013, the campaign now sees clubs wear rainbow corner flags, while captains wear rainbow armbands and laces. The occasion was celebrated almost universally, except for the Ipswich captain.
According The mirrorThe newly promoted team confirmed that the 33-year-old, a practicing Muslim, refused to take part in the initiative due to his faith. However, the club wanted to underline its commitment to LGBT+ inclusion.
Guehi’s decision to write on the bracelet could be seen as “an aggravating factor”
The England international comes from a religious family, as his father was a minister.
The Tractor Boys’ second Rainbow Laces exclusive match will take place on Tuesday night when they host Crystal Palace at Portman Road.
In a statement, a spokesperson insisted that the club “proudly supports” the campaign.
‘Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone. “We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and support the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance,” the spokesperson said.
‘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 solidarity and inclusion pledge alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of the match on Saturday.
“A number of additional initiatives are planned around Tuesday’s home game against Crystal Palace, including taking over the stadium’s big screen in the moments before kick-off.
‘At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsi, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband due to his religious beliefs. “We will continue to create an environment where everyone is valued and respected, both on and off the court.”
However, some fans on social media were quick to point out the fact that Morsi had previously used betting sponsors on his uniforms, but never cited religious reasons or fought against their use.
One fan wrote: ‘Sam Morsy is more than happy to promote the game, which also goes against his beliefs. Damn hypocrite.’
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy refused to wear a rainbow armband during his team’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest for religious reasons.
Fans were quick to point out Morsi’s willingness to wear betting sponsors on his shirt.
Another said: “It’s quite curious that we have never heard a Muslim footballer refuse to wear a betting sponsor.”
“Furthermore, as an advocate for another just social cause, it is sad that Morsi cannot find the same empathy and support for another group of oppressed people in many parts of the world.”
Last season, Sheffield United captain Anel Ahmedhodzic became the first captain in seven years to refuse to wear a rainbow armband.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina star did not give an official answer as to why he did not wear it.
But Swedish outlet SVT Sport claimed he responded to them when asked via text message, with the defender cryptically saying: “Guess”, before not answering any further questions.
The weekend’s matches saw the return of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign in the league.
There have also been notable examples on the continent, with Orkun Kokcu and Idrissa Gueye – then of Feyenoord and PSG respectively – citing religious reasons for their objection.
Research published by Stonewall found that 27 percent of LGBTQ+ people do not feel welcome in community sports groups or community team sports.
While 22 percent who attended a gym or sports group in the last year experienced discrimination due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. When it comes to watching live sports, there are still huge obstacles to overcome.
One in five LGBTQ+ people who attended a live sporting event in the past year felt discriminated against for being LGBTQ+. That figure rises to 34 per cent of black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBTQ+ people who attended a live sporting event in the last year.