Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi Inscribes Message on Rainbow Armband Despite FA Ban

Crystal Palace secured a 1-0 victory against Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Tuesday night. During the match, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi displayed a ‘Jesus loves you’ message on his rainbow armband, notwithstanding a prior reminder from the Football Association that religious messages on kit are prohibited. These rainbow armbands are worn by Premier League clubs to demonstrate support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, as part of charity Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign. The Football Association had previously informed Guehi and his club about the ban on religious messaging on kit, after the 24-year-old’s rainbow armband featured the message ‘I love Jesus’ during Palace’s draw against Newcastle United on Saturday. In a related development, Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy did not wear a rainbow armband again on Tuesday. His club had stated that he chose not to wear one at the weekend due to his “religious beliefs”. Following his side’s 1-0 win at Portman Road, Palace manager Oliver Glasner called for “calm” regarding the situation. Glasner told Amazon Prime, “Everyone now is about integration, no discrimination and Marc as well.” He added, “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 confirmed he had spoken with Guehi about the matter before the match, emphasizing that the England international is “not a child”. Glasner further stated, “He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion.” He concluded, “This is the quote of this campaign, it’s being tolerant and Marc is very tolerant so everything is fine.” Guehi’s actions on Saturday had put him at risk of a formal charge from the FA. Rule A4 of the FA’s kit and advertising regulations explicitly prohibits the “appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message”. The Rainbow Laces campaign, supported by Premier League clubs, commenced on November 29 and is scheduled to run until December 5. A Stonewall spokesperson commented on Tuesday: “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 added, “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.” Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy has not worn the rainbow armband, a decision his club attributed to his religious beliefs.