Marc Guéhi will not face any punishment for writing “I love Jesus” on a rainbow armband, with the Football Association instead set to formally contact the Crystal Palace captain and his club to remind them of its regulations about not displaying any kind of religious messages.
All Premier League clubs were given an armband for team captains to wear to promote Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, which runs from 29 November to 5 December. The England defender, whose father was a minister of a local church in south-east London, added the message to his armband for his side’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle on Saturday.
The appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment, of any religious message is prohibited under Rule A4 of the governing body’s regulations. The FA declined to comment on whether any repeat by Guéhi could lead to a charge but it is understood that the England centre-back and Palace will be formally reminded of the rules. Palace have also declined to comment.
Team captains are again due to wear the rainbow armband in the midweek round of matches, with Palace facing Ipswich on Tuesday night. Ipswich’s captain, Sam Morsy, was the only captain not to wear the armband at the weekend, during Ipswich’s 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest, due to his religious beliefs as a practising Muslim. The FA is understood to deem that as a matter for Morsy and his club and do not deem it as a breach of its regulations.
Ipswich said in a statement on Monday that it is planning “a range of further initiatives” around the game against Palace, including “a takeover of the stadium’s big screen in the moments prior to kick-off”.
after newsletter promotion
“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,” Ipswich’s statement added. “We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”
Source: theguardian.com
