Why I wrote ‘I love Jesus’ on captain armband – Marc Guehi explains
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has explained his decision to write “I love Jesus ” and ‘Jesus loves you’ on his rainbow captain’s armband during matches against Newcastle United and Ipswich Town, describing it as a message of “truth, love, and inclusivity.”
The rainbow armbands are part of the Premier League’s LGBTQ+ inclusion initiative in collaboration with the charity Stonewall, aimed at fostering acceptance and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Captains are encouraged, though not mandated, to wear them.
Guehi, however, added a personal religious message to his armband, despite a reminder from the Football Association (FA) that religious messages on kits are prohibited under its rules. Explaining his actions, the 24-year-old said, “The message was just one of truth and love and inclusivity. I don’t think it was harmful in any way.”
In a BBC Radio 5 Live Sport interview, Guehi elaborated: “My faith is my faith, and I stand by it for the rest of my life. I believe 100% in the words I wrote.”
While the FA has decided not to take formal action against Guehi or Crystal Palace, it has reiterated its regulations regarding kit messaging.
The incident has reignited discussions about inclusivity and the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ advocacy in football. Former England international Lianne Sanderson expressed frustration on social media, stating, “It’s not about forcing beliefs but supporting a community that still feels unwelcome at games in 2024.”
Meanwhile, Ipswich captain Sam Morsy and an unnamed Manchester United player also opted out of LGBTQ+ initiatives due to religious beliefs
