Crystal Palace’s Guehi Faces No Punishment For Religious Message On Armband

According to reports, Crystal Palace captain, Marc Guehi will not face any formal action from the Football Association (FA) after he included a Christian message on his rainbow armband, despite having received a warning against displaying religious messages.

The player and the club had been reminded of FA kit regulations after he wore an armband with the handwritten message ‘I love Jesus’ in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

On Tuesday, Guehi wore an armband that read “Jesus loves you” during Palace’s 1-0 victory over Ipswich.

However, British media reported on Wednesday that the FA would not take any action against him.

The club and the England defender, who has previously spoken about his religious beliefs, were again reminded of kit regulations, which ban religious messages.

In the last two rounds of Premier League matches, captains have worn rainbow armbands as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign to demonstrate their support for LGBTQ inclusion in sports.

The campaign, which the Premier League runs in partnership with charity Stonewall, comes to an end with Thursday’s Premier League games.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner appealed for “calm” over the issue after his side’s win at Portman Road.

“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 did not get involved in the case of Ipswich captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen to wear a standard captain’s armband owing to his religious beliefs.

Even though Guehi has not been punished, his father, John, a church minister, criticized the FA for issuing a reminder.

“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 told the newspaper the Daily Mail.

“Marc said yes and did the right thing by wearing it but people are having a go at him. The FA are happy for the crowd to sing ‘God Save The King’ when England plays, which mentions God and religion.

“And they are happy to have the religious hymn ‘Abide With Me’ during the (FA) Cup final, yet they have a go at my son for expressing his beliefs. Where is the sense in that? What has he done wrong?”

A spokesman for 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.”