Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has defined his determination to put in writing “I like Jesus ” and ‘Jesus loves you’ on his rainbow captain’s armband throughout matches towards Newcastle United and Ipswich City, describing it as a message of “fact, love, and inclusivity.”
The rainbow armbands are a part of the Premier League’s LGBTQ+ inclusion initiative in collaboration with the charity Stonewall, aimed toward fostering acceptance and help for the LGBTQ+ group. Captains are inspired, although not mandated, to put on them.
Guehi, nonetheless, added a private spiritual message to his armband, regardless of a reminder from the Soccer Affiliation (FA) that spiritual messages on kits are prohibited below its guidelines. Explaining his actions, the 24-year-old mentioned, “The message was simply certainly one of fact and love and inclusivity. I don’t assume it was dangerous in any manner.”
In a BBC Radio 5 Dwell Sport interview, Guehi elaborated: “My religion is my religion, and I stand by it for the remainder of my life. I consider 100% within the phrases I wrote.”
Whereas the FA has determined to not take formal motion towards Guehi or Crystal Palace, it has reiterated its laws concerning package messaging.
The incident has reignited discussions about inclusivity and the intersection of religion and LGBTQ+ advocacy in soccer. Former England worldwide Lianne Sanderson expressed frustration on social media, stating, “It’s not about forcing beliefs however supporting a group that also feels unwelcome at video games in 2024.”
In the meantime, Ipswich captain Sam Morsy and an unnamed Manchester United participant additionally opted out of LGBTQ+ initiatives as a result of spiritual beliefs
