Mustapha Habeeb
December 4th, 2024
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi may face disciplinary action from the Football Association (FA) after writing “I love Jesus” on his rainbow (LGBTQ) armband during Saturday’s match against Newcastle. The FA’s rules permit “initiative slogans/emblems” but prohibit “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images.” According to ESPN, Guehi’s actions could be deemed an “aggravating factor,” potentially leading to charges.
The rainbow armband is a symbol of support for LGBTQ+ issues in football. Guehi, a devout Christian, has previously spoken about the significance of his faith, stating
“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.”
This incident highlights the complexities of balancing personal beliefs with regulatory guidelines in professional sports.