Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi is under investigation by the Football Association (FA) after once again displaying a religious message on his rainbow armband during a match against Ipswich Town on Tuesday.
Guéhi, who has been vocal about his Christian faith, wrote “Jesus loves you” with a heart symbol on the armband, despite a prior warning from the FA. In the previous match against Newcastle, he had written “I love Jesus” on his armband, prompting the FA to remind him and Crystal Palace of regulations under Rule A4, which prohibits religious or political statements during matches.
FA Investigates Potential Breach of Rules
The FA has launched an inquiry into the incident and could impose disciplinary measures, including a suspension, if Guéhi is found to have breached the rules. Officials have reiterated that players are required to avoid messages that could be interpreted as religious, political, or personal statements during official games.
The rainbow armband is part of the Premier League’s annual campaign to support LGBTQ+ inclusivity in football. Guéhi’s actions have sparked a debate, with some praising his commitment to his faith and others criticizing him for potentially overshadowing the league’s inclusivity efforts.
Club and Player Await FA Decision
Neither Crystal Palace nor Guéhi has issued a statement regarding the incident. However, sources suggest that the player believes his message was one of love and inclusivity, aligning with his personal beliefs rather than contradicting the armband’s purpose.
The FA’s decision is expected to set a precedent for how personal expressions of faith are balanced with official campaigns and league regulations in professional football.