Marc Guehi warned by FA for writing ‘I love Jesus’ on rainbow armband and told not to repeat message against Ipswich
MARC GUEHI has escaped FA action for writing “I love Jesus” on his rainbow captain’s armband.
But the Crystal Palace skipper, who is a devout Christian, has been warned not to repeat his actions – or risk a charge.
The England centre-half, 24, was one of 19 top flight captains who wore the armband in the weekend fixtures to support the LGBTQ+ community, with Ipswich’s Sam Morsy declining to do so due to his beliefs.
But Guehi, whose father is a minister, risked facing action for writing the religious message on his.
The Laws of the Game allow slogans “promoting the game of football, respect and integrity”.
But the Laws also forbid “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.
Breaching this requirement is a strict liability situation with the Laws adding: “For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”
However, FA disciplinary beaks have opted to reprimand Guehi and Palace rather than going any further.
Both Guehi and his club will be told that the appearance of any religious message on kits, boots or any other equipment – including the armband – is prohibited under FA Rule A4.
The warning comes ahead of Palace’s two other games during the Rainbow Laces campaign, with the Eagles travelling to Ipswich tonight before hosting Manchester City on Saturday.
Speaking previously about his religious beliefs, Guehi told The Athletic: “I’ve grown up loving God and when I have had the chance I still go to church with my family, and my faith is definitely a big part of my life.
“Faith is everything that I’m involved with, really; even in football, where I’m trying to be a role model and show God’s graciousness and God’s glory through my life.”
This is the eleventh season that the Premier League has supported the Rainbow Laces movement.
The decision of Egypt international Morsy not to wear the armband was based on his Muslim beliefs.
Wembley chiefs feel that is a matter for the club and the player as Morsy did not breach any kit and advertising regulations but chose not to take part in the initiative.
Ipswich released a statement on the matter, saying: “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 stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.
“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 pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of the game.
“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 grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”