British soccer player Marc Guehi, captain of the Crystal Palace team, has taken a stand after being reprimanded for writing “I Love Jesus” on an LGBTQ rainbow captain’s armband during a match last weekend. The armband, part of the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign promoting LGBTQ inclusion, is used in collaboration with the gay advocacy group Stonewall.
The incident occurred during Saturday’s game against Newcastle, where Guehi altered the official armband to include his personal message. As soon as he stepped onto the field, the Football Association (FA) took issue with the alteration, citing him for violating league rules that prohibit religious displays. However, the FA ultimately decided against issuing a fine or suspension.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Guehi stood by his actions, stating, “I think the message was pretty clear, to be honest. It was a message of love and truth as well, and a message of inclusivity, so I think it speaks for itself.”
Guehi’s father, John Guehi, also defended his son’s decision, emphasizing that the message was not intended to offend anyone. “I do believe in what the Bible says: Jesus loves everyone, and, in my opinion, Marc did not offend anyone with what he wrote,” the elder Guehi said. “By saying ‘I love Jesus’ on his armband, I really don’t see what is offensive or what the problem is.”
John Guehi further criticized the double standard in reactions to players’ personal beliefs. “If you look at what the LGBT community are doing, they are trying to impose on others what they believe in. It’s belief against belief, but everyone has the right to an opinion. If my opinion is just to express what I feel, then I think that is fine.”
Guehi’s father pointed out that his son complied with wearing the armband, unlike Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, a practicing Muslim who outright refused to wear it. Another Muslim player, Noussair Mazraoui, also chose not to wear the armband.
Marc Guehi’s actions and refusal to apologize have sparked broader discussions about freedom of expression in sports and the balance between promoting inclusivity and respecting individual beliefs. Despite the reprimand, Guehi remains firm in his commitment to his faith and his message of love.