Devout Christian England star Marc Guehi could face FA charge for scrawling ‘I love Jesus’ on rainbow armband for Premier League LGBT awareness game, while another team’s Muslim captain REFUSED to wear it
Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi could face charges from the FA after he wrote ‘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 draw at home to Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.
The FA rules allow some ‘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 because another law states that captains must “wear an armband that is simple and complies with the requirements of Law 4 relating to slogans, statements, images and advertising.”
The outlet claims that Guehi’s decision to write on the armband — intended to support LGBTQ+ issues in sports — could be seen as “an aggravating factor.”
Guehi is a devout Christian and previously spoke about how his faith still plays a major role in his football career.
Marc Guehi could face an FA charge after writing on his rainbow-coloured captain’s armband
The Crystal Palace star scribbled ‘I love Jesus’ on his armband against Newcastle on Saturday
Speak with The Athleticshe said, “I grew up loving God and when I’ve had the chance, I still go to church with my family, and my faith is definitely a big part of my life.
‘Faith is actually all that concerns me; even in football, where I try to be a role model and show God’s grace and glory through my life.’
On Monday, a report claimed that Ipswich City captain Sam Morsy refused to wear a rainbow armband during his side’s 1-0 defeat against Nottingham forest for religious reasons.
The campaign was first launched in 2013 and now sees clubs using rainbow corner flags, while captains wear both rainbow armbands and laces. The occasion was almost universally observed except by the Ipswich skipper.
According to The mirrorthe newly promoted party confirmed that the 33-year-old, who is a practicing Muslim, declined to participate in the initiative due to his faith. Nevertheless, the club wanted to emphasize their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion.
The Tractor Boys’ second special Rainbow Laces match will take place on Tuesday evening when they welcome Crystal Palace to Portman Road. In a statement, a spokesperson emphasized that the club ‘proudly supports’ the campaign.
‘Ipswich Town Football Club strives to be a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone. “We are proud to support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance,” the spokesperson said.
‘During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s first men’s and women’s teams attended our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club took a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity with Nottingham Forest ahead of Saturday’s match.
Guehi’s decision to write on the bracelet can be seen as ‘an aggravating factor’
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy refused to wear a rainbow armband during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest for religious reasons.
‘A range of further initiatives are planned around Tuesday’s home match with Crystal Palace, including a takeover of the stadium’s big screen just before 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. We will continue to create an environment where everyone is valued and respected, both on and off the field.”
Last season, Sheffield United captain Anel Ahmedhodzic became the first skipper in seven years to refuse to wear a rainbow armband.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina star did not give an official answer to why he was not wearing it, but Swedish outlet SVT Sport claimed that when questioned he contacted them via text message, as the defender cryptically said: “Guess what,” before saying failed. to answer further questions.