Why EPL defender is facing a ban for writing "I Love Jesus" on rainbow captain's armband

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi may face disciplinary action from the English Football Association (FA) after he wrote "I love Jesus" on his rainbow-coloured captain's armband during the Premier League match against Newcastle United on Saturday, which ended in a 1-1 draw.  

The armbands were part of Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign, a Premier League initiative supporting the LGBTQ+ community. 

However, Guéhi, a devout Christian, added a religious statement to the armband, potentially breaching FA regulations.  

The Laws of the Game explicitly prohibit "political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images," even while permitting "initiative slogans/emblems promoting the game of football, respect and integrity."  

Additionally, Law 4 specifies that captains "must wear an armband which is simple and conforms to the requirements of Law 4 relating to slogans, statements, images and advertising."  

An FA charge could be compounded by the context of Guéhi’s message, as the campaign specifically focuses on LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The FA’s kit regulations further state that "the appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing ... [of] any political or religious message" is forbidden, and violations can result in disciplinary action.  

Guéhi's actions come as the Premier League navigates varied responses to the Rainbow Laces initiative. Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, a practising Muslim, chose not to wear the rainbow armband, opting instead for a standard black version. Ipswich issued a statement supporting his decision while reaffirming the club’s commitment to inclusivity.  

"Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone," the statement read. "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 FA has yet to confirm any action against Guéhi, but the incident underscores the challenges of balancing inclusivity initiatives with personal beliefs within the world of professional football.