FA to remind Marc Guehi & Crystal Palace about religious messaging

The Football Association is to remind Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and the Selhurst Park club that religious messaging on their kit is banned.

England defender Guehi’s rainbow captain’s armband for Palace’s draw against Newcastle United on Saturday had the message ‘I love Jesus’ written on it.

The armbands are being worn as part of Premier League clubs showing their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport by taking part in charity Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign between 29 November and 5 December.

Guehi’s actions risked a formal FA charge, although sources from the organisation have said that will not happen on this occasion.

Rule A4 of the FA’s kit and advertising regulations prohibit the “appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message”.

Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy did not wear a rainbow armband during Saturday’s Premier League loss at Nottingham Forest, which his club has said was because of his “religious beliefs”.

The Portman Road club will host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Ipswich reiterated their commitment to “being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone” but added they respect the decision of midfielder Morsy.

Rainbow Tractors, an Ipswich LGBTQ+ supporters group, said it was “disappointed” Morsy chose not to wear the armband.