Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi could be in hot water for writing ‘I love Jesus’ on his rainbow armband.
The Palace skipper wrote the message on the armband during his side’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle United last Saturday.
All Premier League clubs were given a special rainbow armband to wear to promote Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), ‘initiative slogans/emblems promoting the game of football, respect and integrity’ are permitted.
However, it is forbidden to have ‘political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images’ written anywhere.
Last summer, a modification to Law 4 made it clear all captains ‘must wear an armband which is simple and conforms to the requirements of Law 4 relating to slogans, statements, images and advertising.’
Should any player or captain fall foul of the laws, ‘the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.’
The Football Association’s (FA) kit rules also outline ‘the appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing … any political or religious message’ is forbidden and ‘disciplinary action’ could be taken for any breach of the rule.
The fact Guehi wrote a religious statement on the rainbow armband, which is worn to promote LGBTQ+ issues, may lead to him being charged by the FA.
Guehi’s controversial statement on the rainbow armband comes in the wake of Ipswich Town‘s Sam Morsy being the only Premier League captain not to wear the rainbow armband last weekend.
Morsy, who is a practising Muslim, wore the regular captain’s armband instead.
“Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone,” an Ipswich statement released on Monday 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.”
It is not the first time a Premier League captain has opted not to wear the rainbow armband.
Last season, Sheffield United’s Anel Ahmedhodzic elected to wear the regular captain’s armband during the Blades’ loss to Liverpool.
When asked by Swedish publication SVT Sport why he didn’t wear it, Ahmedhodzic offered a cryptic response: “Guess”.
In the prior fixture against Burnley, Oliver Norwood captained Sheffield United and wore the rainbow armband.
The Premier League first introduced the Rainbow Laces campaign in 2013 and takes centre stage for rounds 13 and 14 this term.
Along with the rainbow armbands, the Premier League provides rainbow corner flags, handshake boards and ball plinths to further promote the Rainbow Laces campaign.
