Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi will reportedly face no formal action from the Football Association (FA) despite displaying a Christian message on his armband in defiance of previous warnings regarding religious messages. Guehi added the handwritten phrase “I love Jesus” to his rainbow armband during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle, prompting the FA to remind both him and the club about kit regulations that prohibit religious messages.
On Tuesday, Guehi wore an armband with the message “Jesus loves you” during Palace’s 1-0 win at Ipswich. Despite this, the FA has confirmed it will not take further action against the 24-year-old or the club. The FA’s reminder was issued as part of its enforcement of kit regulations, which do not allow religious expressions on official playing gear.
The controversy comes amid the Premier League’s ongoing Rainbow Laces campaign, aimed at promoting LGBTQ inclusion in sport. Captains have been wearing rainbow armbands in support of the initiative, which runs in partnership with the charity Stonewall and concludes with Thursday’s Premier League fixtures.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner urged for “calm” over the issue following his team’s victory. “Everyone now is about integration, no discrimination and Marc as well,” he said. “He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion.”
The FA’s handling of the situation contrasts with its decision not to intervene in the case of Ipswich captain Sam Morsy, who also chose to wear a standard armband due to his religious beliefs.
While Guehi has not been sanctioned, his father, John Guehi, a church minister, criticized the FA’s actions, questioning the inconsistency. “Did he offend anyone? I don’t think so. I do believe in what the Bible says, ‘Jesus loves everyone’, and, in my opinion, Marc did not offend anyone with what he wrote. He also pointed out that the FA allows religious references in other contexts, such as the anthem “God Save The King” and the hymn “Abide With Me” at the FA Cup final, yet took issue with his son’s message.
A spokesperson for Stonewall praised the wide support for the Rainbow Laces campaign, emphasizing the importance of making sport more inclusive for all. They noted that individuals should have the freedom to choose how to show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.