Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi wrote a message on his rainbow armband again for his side’s victory over Ipswich Town, despite warnings from the FA.
England international Guehi’s armband read ‘Jesus Loves You’, and comes after the 24-year-old was warned for a similar message in Palace’s last fixture.
The rainbow armbands for Premier League captains form part of the charity group Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.
Stonewall’s aim is to drive support and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community in sport.
But after Guehi wrote ‘I Love Jesus’ on his armband against Newcastle United, he was warned by the Football Association.
The FA reminded Guehi and Palace that religious messaging on kit is banned.
Glasner Calls For Calm Over Marc Guehi Rainbow Armband Issue
After Palace’s win at Ipswich Town, manager Oliver Glasner tried to calm the debate.
He told Amazon Prime: “Everyone now is about integration, no discrimination and Marc as well,.
“We all have the same opinion. We are in sports and in sports we are always against discrimination and any kind of abuse, and Marc as well.”
Glasner explained that he had discussed the issue with Guehi prior to the match.
He added: “He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion.
“This is the quote of this campaign, it’s being tolerant and Marc is very tolerant so everything is fine.”
Guehi Could Face Formal Punishment
Marc Guehi’s choice to write on his rainbow armband risk earning him a formal FA charge.
The FA’s kit and advertising regulations prohibit the “appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message” (rule A4).
As a result, there is a possibility that Guehi could be found in breach and subsequently punished.
But he isn’t the only player in hot water over the rainbow armbands. Ipswich captain Sam Morsy has refused to wear the armband, citing ‘religious beliefs’.
The Egyptian international is a practicing Muslim, with his club supporting Morsy’s right to choose not to wear the armband.
Nevertheless, the campaign’s organisers believe it has been an overwhelmingly positive one.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson from Stonewall said: “It has been incredible to see so many football teams at all levels support our campaign to make sport safer and more inclusive for all.
“When we see clubs show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion, it helps people feel safe and welcome both on and off the pitch. It is up to individuals to choose if and how they show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.”
