Marc Guehi faces FA charges after breaking strict Premier League rules with rainbow armband message
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi could be in trouble for writing 'I love Jesus' on his rainbow armband.
The palace patron he wrote the message on the armband during his team's 1-1 draw against Newcastle United last Saturday.
All Premier League clubs received a special rainbow armband to promote Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), “slogans/emblems of initiatives that promote football, respect and integrity” are permitted.
However, it is prohibited to have “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images” written anywhere.
Last summer, an amendment to Law 4 made clear that all captains “must wear an armband that is simple and meets the requirements of Law 4 regarding slogans, statements, images and advertising.”
If any player or captain breaks the laws, “the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organizer, the national football association or FIFA.”
The Football Association's (FA) kit rules also state that “the appearance or incorporation into any article of clothing… any political or religious message” is prohibited and “disciplinary action” could be taken for any breach of the ruler.
The fact that Guehi wrote a religious statement on the rainbow bracelet, which is worn to promote LGBTQ+ issues, may lead to him being charged by the FA.
Guehi's controversial statement about the rainbow bracelet comes in the wake of ipswich townSam Morsy was the only Premier League captain not to wear the rainbow armband last weekend.
Morsi, who is a practicing Muslim, wore the usual captain's armband instead.
“Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes all,” read a statement from Ipswich released on Monday.
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“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsi, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain's armband due to his religious beliefs.
“We will continue to create an environment where everyone is valued and respected, both on and off the court.”
It is not the first time that a Premier League captain has opted not to wear the rainbow armband.
Last season, Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic chose to wear the usual captain's armband during the Blades' defeat to Liverpool.
When asked by a Swedish publication SVT Sport Why he didn't use it, Ahmedhodzic offered a cryptic answer: “Guess.”
In the previous match against Burnley, Oliver Norwood captained Sheffield United and wore the rainbow armband.
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The Premier League first introduced the Rainbow Laces campaign in 2013 and takes center stage in rounds 13 and 14 this season.
In addition to the rainbow armbands, the Premier League is providing rainbow corner flags, handshake boards and ball stands to further promote the Rainbow Laces campaign.
