Marc Guehi defies FA orders, writes religious text in rainbow armband

Marc Guehi, the captain of Crystal Palace, has disregarded an official reminder from the Football Association (FA) by continuing to wear a rainbow captain’s armband that he personally put a religious message on. As a sign of support for the LGBTQ+ community, the 20 Premier League clubs reportedly received rainbow-laced captain armbands for their games this past weekend and the upcoming midweek games. As Palace played Newcastle over the weekend, Guehi, a devoted Christian, wore the armband with the additional scribbled words, “I love Jesus.”

However, Sam Morsy, the captain of Ipswich and a devout Muslim, decided against wearing the armband because of his religious convictions. Guehi and Palace were informed this week to warn them that religious propaganda is prohibited on equipment used or worn in Premier League matches under Rule A4 of the governing body’s regulations, even if the FA considered Morsy’s choice to be a club concern. Note that Rule A4 in its entirety says:

“The appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any distasteful, threatening, abusive, indecent, insulting, discriminatory or otherwise ethically or morally offensive message, or any political or religious message, is prohibited. The advertising of tobacco products is prohibited.”

Even though the FA contacted him, Guehi was back in play for Palace on Tuesday night and fiercely repeated the deed. Guehi’s armband said, “Jesus [heart emoji] You,” in opposition to Ipswich. In addition, Sam Morsy, the captain of Ipswich Town, chose not to don the rainbow armband during their defeat at the hands of Palace.