Crystal Palace captain, Marc Guéhi could face charge (s) from the English Football Association (FA) after donning a captain’s armband with “I love Jesus” inscription on it.
The armbands, which feature the branding of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign in support of the LGBTQ+ community, were issued to all 20 Premier League clubs ahead of last weekend’s matches.
The Laws of the Game allow “initiative slogans/emblems promoting the game of football, respect and integrity,” such as Rainbow Laces, but forbid “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images.”
Law 4 goes on to say that “for any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organizer, national football association or by FIFA.”
A modification was made to the law last summer to make it clear that all captains “must wear an armband which is simple and conforms to the requirements of Law 4 relating to slogans, statements, images and advertising.”
That Guéhi, a devout Christian, chose to write the religious slogan on an armband supporting LGBTQ+ issues could be seen as an aggravating factor.
Football Association kit rules underline that “the appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of Clothing … Any political or religious message” is forbidden and “disciplinary action may be taken” for “any breach of these Regulations.”
