Premier League’s LGBT rainbow civil battle: Devout Christian England star Marc Guehi might face FA motion for scrawling ‘I really like Jesus’ on equality armband, whereas Muslim star at rival membership refused to put on his

Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi could face a charge from the FA after writing ‘I love Jesus’ on his rainbow-coloured captain’s armband.

The defender opted to scribble to three-word statement on his armband during Palace’s 1-1 draw at home against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

FA rules allow a number of ‘initiative slogans/emblems’, such as Rainbow Laces, but forbid ‘political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images.’ 

Now, according to ESPN, Guehi could face backlash from the FA, as another law states that captains ‘must wear an armband which is simple and conforms to the requirements of Law 4 relating to slogans, statements, images and advertising.’

The outlet claim that Guehi’s decision to write on the armband – aimed to support LGBTQ+ issues in the sport – could be seen as ‘an aggravating factor’. 

Guehi is a devout Christian and previously spoke on how his faith still plays a major role in his football career. 

Speaking to The Athletic, he said: ‘I’ve grown up loving God and when I have had the chance I still go to church with my family, and my faith is definitely a big part of my life.

‘Faith is everything that I’m involved with, really; even in football, where I’m trying to be a role model and show God’s graciousness and God’s glory through my life.’

Guehi comes from a religious household, with his father, John, being a church minister. In fact, his role with the church caused scheduling drama during the Euros, after he took a service at a church in Lewisham on the day of England’s clash against Serbia. 

Due to the scheduling mishap, Guehi admitted that ‘God comes first’ and that he expected his father to be at the service rather than his match for England at the Euros. 

Guehi admitted: ‘Usually God comes first. I’d expect him to be at church but he could turn up, I don’t know. I’ll have to message him later to ask.’

On Monday, a report claimed that Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy refused to wear a rainbow armband during his side’s 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest for religious reasons.

First launched in 2013, the campaign now sees clubs use rainbow corner flags, while captains wear rainbow armbands as well as laces. The occasion was almost universally observed, save for the Ipswich skipper. 

According to The Mirror, the newly-promoted side confirmed that the 33-year-old, who is a practicing Muslim, refused to partake in the initiative due to his faith. The club were nevertheless keen to stress their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion.

The Tractor Boys’ second dedicated Rainbow Laces fixture will take place on Tuesday night when they welcome Crystal Palace to Portman Road. 

In a statement, a spokesperson insisted that the club ‘proudly supports’ the campaign.

‘Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone. We proudly support the Premier League‘s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance,’ the spokesperson said.

‘During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first-teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of Saturday’s game.

‘A range of further initiatives are planned around Tuesday’s home game with Crystal Palace, including a takeover of the stadium’s big screen in the moments prior to kick-off.

‘At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs. We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.’

However, some fans on social media were quick to point out the fact Morsy had previously worn betting sponsors on his kits – but never cited religious reasons or fought against wearing it.

One fan wrote: ‘Sam Morsy is more than happy to promote gambling which also goes against his beliefs. F***ing hypocrite.’ 

Another said: ‘It is quite funny how we’ve never heard a Muslim footballer refuse to wear a betting sponsor. 

‘Also as a champion of another just social cause it’s sad Morsy can’t find the same empathy and support for another group of people oppressed throughout many parts of the globe’ 

Last season, Sheffield United captain Anel Ahmedhodzic became the first skipper in seven years to refuse to wear a rainbow armband. 

The Bosnia-Herzegovina star didn’t provide an official response as to why he didn’t wear it.

But Swedish outlet SVT Sport claimed he got back to them when questioned via text message, as the defender cryptically said: ‘Guess’, before failing to answer further questions. 

There have also been notable examples on the continent, with Orkun Kokcu and Idrissa Gueye – then of Feyenoord and PSG respectively – citing religious grounds for their objection. 

Research published by Stonewall found that 27 per cent of LGBTQ+ people do not feel welcome in community sport groups or community team sports. 

While 22 per cent who attended a fitness club or sports group in the last year experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. When it comes to watching live sport, there remains huge obstacles to overcome.

One in five LGBTQ+ people who attended a live sporting event in the last year felt discriminated against because of being LGBTQ+. That figure rises to 34 per cent Black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBTQ+ people who attended a live sport event in the last year.