Marc Guehi wrote a new message on his rainbow-themed armband after receiving communication from the Football Association over religious messaging. The Crystal Palace captain played against Ipswich on Tuesday night and still had the name 'Jesus' written on the accessory, which is being used as part of LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall's rainbow laces campaign.
After Guehi wrote ‘I [heart] Jesus’ on his armband for Palace’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Saturday, the FA said they would remind the England international that religious messaging is banned from equipment.
Guehi was back in action for Palace against Ipswich on Tuesday night. While the message on his armband appeared to be new, the phrase still contained the word ‘Jesus’.
The new message appeared to be ‘Jesus [heart] you’. Meanwhile, Ipswich captain Sam Morsy opted to abandon the rainbow armband entirely, just as he did during his side’s defeat against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
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Morsy, a British-born Egypt international, explained that he had decided against wearing the armband as he is a practising Muslim. His club said they ‘respect’ his decision.
A statement issued by the Suffolk club read: “Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone. We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.
“During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first teams visited our foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of Saturday’s game.
“A range of further initiatives are planned around Tuesday’s home game with Crystal Palace, including a takeover of the stadium’s big screen in the moments prior to kick-off.
“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband due to his religious beliefs. We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”
The Premier League has not made it compulsory for captains to wear the rainbow armbands. The armbands are issued to teams as part of the league's rainbow laces campaign with the LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall.
Football's laws prohibit any political or religious messaging from appearing on equipment. A formal reminder being issued to Guehi would avoid the need for disciplinary action from the FA.
