Crystal Palace soccer player Marc Guéhi received a warning from the Football Association (FA) after writing “I love Jesus” across a rainbow armband he wore in a game against Newcastle United. The bands were issued to all 20 Premiere League clubs through a partnership with Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ charity. “It has been incredible to see so many football teams at all levels support our campaign to make sport safer and more inclusive for all,” Stonewall said of the bands. “When we see clubs show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion, it helps people feel safe and welcome both on and off the pitch. It is up to individuals to choose if and how they show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.” A player on Ipswich Town, Sam Morsy, has refused to wear the bands on the basis of his religious beliefs as a devout Muslim. He has chosen to wear the standard black armband.

FA rules allow uniforms to include “initiative slogans/emblems promoting the game of football, respect, and integrity,” but prohibit “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images.” Guéhi did not receive an official warning, according to FA, which stated, “Marc Guehi has not received an official warning from us. We have contacted Crystal Palace to formally remind them and Marc Guehi that the appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots, or other equipment of any religious message is prohibited as stated in Rule A4 of our kit and advertising regulations.” Guéhi wore the band again in a game against Ipswich Town, with “Jesus loves you” written across. FA has not taken any action against Guéhi.

Guéhi is a devout Christian, though he has not spoken publicly about his decision to write on the band.  His father, John Guéhi, however, has spoken out against what he sees as a double standard, given that Morsy received no warning for his decision to not wear the band at all. John Guéhi, who is a minister, spoke out against the FA warning his son. “I am saying did he offend anyone? I don’t think so. I do believe in what the Bible says, Jesus loves everyone, and, in my opinion, Marc did not offend anyone with what he wrote,” he said. “’If you look at what the LGBT community are doing, they are trying to impose on others what they believe in, it’s belief against belief, but at the end of the day everyone has the right to an opinion,” he added. “He was saying’ You gave me the armband, as a Christian I don’t believe in your cause, but I will put it on’ but Morsy didn’t put it on because he said it was against his religion but more seems to be being said about Marc than him.”