Marc Guéhi Avoids FA Action Over Controversial ‘Jesus Loves You’ Armband
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi has found himself at the center of a heated debate after writing “Jesus loves you” on his rainbow-colored captain’s armband during Palace’s 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Tuesday. While the English Football Association (FA) has decided not to take formal action against the England international, they will issue him another reminder about kit regulations. This comes after Guéhi had already been warned for a similar incident just days earlier.
Guéhi, who captained Crystal Palace in the match, played the full 90 minutes and helped secure the win. However, his decision to personalize the armband, which was part of the Premier League’s support for Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion, has sparked significant discussion. The FA’s Rule A4 explicitly forbids any religious messages or slogans on clothing, and Guéhi’s actions have now drawn attention twice in less than a week.
Two Incidents, One Message
Last Saturday, during Palace’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle United, Guéhi wrote “I love Jesus” on the same rainbow armband. The FA issued a warning to the defender before Tuesday’s match against Ipswich, but that didn’t stop him from repeating the act with a slightly altered message. ESPN had earlier reported that Guéhi could face a potential FA charge for violating kit regulations, but the governing body has opted for leniency this time around.
To clarify, a modification to the Laws of the Game last summer made it mandatory for all captains to wear an armband that is “simple and conforms to the requirements of Law 4 relating to slogans, statements, images, and advertising.” The rainbow armbands, distributed to all 20 Premier League clubs, are part of a broader initiative to support the LGBTQ+ community. By adding his own religious message, Guéhi has inadvertently stirred controversy, with some seeing his actions as conflicting with the campaign’s intent.
Manager and Campaign Reactions
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner addressed the situation in his post-match interview with Amazon Prime Video, offering a measured response. “Everyone now is about integration, no discrimination, and Marc as well,” Glasner said. “We spoke about it. He’s no child, he’s an adult, he has his opinion, and we respect it.”
Guéhi, a devout Christian, has not publicly commented on his decision to personalize the armband. However, his actions have drawn mixed reactions from fans and organizations alike. A spokesperson for Stonewall, the LGBTQ+ advocacy group behind the Rainbow Laces campaign, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in sports. “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,” the spokesperson told the BBC. “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.”
Other Captains, Other Choices
Interestingly, Guéhi wasn’t the only captain to make headlines regarding the armband. Ipswich Town midfielder Sam Morsy, a practicing Muslim, chose not to wear the rainbow armband at all. Instead, he opted for the standard black version during both last weekend’s matches and Tuesday’s clash with Palace. The FA has stated that Morsy’s decision does not violate any kit regulations and considers it a personal choice between the player and his club.
What’s Next for Guéhi?
While the FA has decided against formal action this time, Guéhi’s repeated defiance of kit regulations raises questions about how the governing body will handle similar incidents in the future. The Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign is a significant initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity, and deviations from its intended message could complicate its impact.
For now, Guéhi will continue to play a key role for Crystal Palace, both as a defender and a leader on the pitch. However, his actions have sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of personal beliefs and collective campaigns in sports. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: this story is far from over.
Key Takeaways
- Marc Guéhi wrote “Jesus loves you” on his rainbow armband during Palace’s 1-0 win over Ipswich Town.
- The FA will issue another reminder about kit regulations but will not take formal action.
- Guéhi had previously written “I love Jesus” on the armband during a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.
- The Rainbow Laces campaign aims to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion, and Guéhi’s actions have sparked mixed reactions.
- Ipswich captain Sam Morsy chose not to wear the rainbow armband, opting for the standard black version instead.
As the Premier League continues its efforts to promote inclusivity, incidents like these highlight the challenges of balancing personal beliefs with collective campaigns. Whether you see Guéhi’s actions as a bold statement of faith or a misstep in a broader movement, one thing is certain: the conversation around inclusivity in sports is more important than ever.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
