Marc Guehi writes new message on rainbow armband despite FA warning as Ipswich captain refuses to wear it again
12/03/2024 02:55 PM
Marc Guehi is wearing his captain’s armband with a message on it against Ipswich, despite being warned by the Football Association.
The Crystal Palace defender appeared to have written on the rainbow-coloured captain's armband against Newcastle, but talkSPORT understands he escaped any FA punishment for the move.
Now, despite the warning that religious messaging is banned, Guehi has opted to hand write a message on the band once again.
This time, he’s written on his rainbow armband for his side’s clash against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Tuesday evening with the message: “Jesus loves you.”
His writing was followed by a smiley face.
This comes after Guehi, whose father is a church minister, wrote ‘I love Jesus’ on his armband for Palace’s previous outing.
All Premier League clubs were given a special rainbow armband for their captains to wear to promote Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign which shows support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), ‘initiative slogans/emblems promoting the game of football, respect and integrity’ are permitted.
But it is forbidden to have ‘political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images’ written anywhere.
The FA’s kit and advertising rules do not allow players to wear items of clothing that promote political or religious messaging, either.
The Tractor Boys captain, Sam Morsy, also made headlines after opting not to wear the armband.
He wore the usual Premier League armband in the 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest instead.
Morsy, who is capped four times by Egypt, is a practising Muslim.
He’s also refused to wear the Stonewall band again against Palace.
“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.”
Last season, Sheffield United’s Anel Ahmedhodzic elected to wear the regular captain’s armband during the Blades’ loss to Liverpool instead of a rainbow one.
