The English Football Association (FA) will again remind Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi of kit rules but he will not face any formal action after writing “Jesus loves you” on his rainbow-coloured captain's armband against the Ipswich Town on Tuesday.
The England international, who played the full 90 minutes of Palace's 1-0 victory, had already received a first warning hours before the Ipswich game. Guéhi wrote “I love Jesus” on his rainbow armband during Palace's 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on Saturday.
ESPN had revealed earlier on Tuesday that Guéhi was facing a possible charge from the FA for breaching FA uniform Rule A4 and advertising regulations, which prohibits any religious message or slogan on clothing.
Last summer an amendment was made to the Laws of the Game to make it clear that all captains “must wear an armband that is simple and complies with the requirements of Law 4 in relation to slogans, statements, images and advertising.”
The rainbow armbands, featuring branding from Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign in support of the LGBTQ+ community, were handed out to all 20 Premier League clubs ahead of last weekend's matches.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner downplayed Guéhi's actions in his post-match interview with Amazon Prime Video on Tuesday.
“Now everyone is committed to integration, non-discrimination and so is Marc,” said Glasner. “We talk about it. He's not a child, he's an adult, he has his opinion and we respect it.”
That Guéhi, a devout Christian, decided to write the religious motto on a bracelet supporting LGBTQ+ issues could be seen as an aggravating factor.
Guéhi explained to Sky Sports on Wednesday what he meant by the message.
“I think the message was pretty clear to be honest,” he said. “It's a message of love and truth as well and a message of inclusion. So it speaks for itself.”
Ipswich midfielder Sam Morsy, a practicing Muslim, was the only captain who refused to wear the armband last weekend. He wore the usual black version again for the clash against Palace.
The FA considers Morsi's decision to be a club and individual matter and does not breach any kit regulations.
A Stonewall spokesperson told the BBC: “It has been incredible to see so many football teams at all levels support our campaign to make sport safer and more inclusive for everyone.
“When we see clubs show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion, it helps people feel safe and welcome both on and off the pitch. It's up to people to choose if and how they show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.” .
