Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Premier League
Josh Lawless
Topics: Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Premier League
Marc Guehi has broken his silence after writing a message on his rainbow armband in Crystal Palace's win at Ipswich Town.
At the weekend, in Palace's game against Newcastle, Guehi came under fire for wearing a message on the captain's armband, which has been issued to all 20 Premier League clubs for two matchdays.
The armband is worn to promote the Rainbow Laces campaign ,in partnership with the Stonewall charity, which looks to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.
Guehi wore the armband but it contained the words "I love Jesus” written on it. Although the FA said he would not be charged, the governing body contacted Palace and in a "formal reprimand", reminded the England international that religious messages are prohibited.
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However, devout Christian Guehi continued in the same vein at Portman Road on Tuesday, with his armband saying "Jesus loves you" on this occasion.
The former Chelsea academy product had not officially commented on his stance until after the game, where he simply repeated the message on Instagram and added "Stay blessed".
On the opposite side of the pitch, Ipswich captain Sam Morsy chose not to wear the armband for the second game running due to "his religious beliefs" according to Ipswich.
The club stressed that they "will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch".
The midfielder is not at risk of being charged, with the FA confirming to SPORTbible that Morsy's refusal to wear the armband does not amount to a breach of its kit and advertising regulations.
Meanwhile, Guehi's father John has responded to the scrutiny placed on his son for the decision taken with the armband, claiming "players are being used as spokespeople".
“I am saying did he offend anyone?” he told the Daily Mail.
“I don't think so. I do believe in what the Bible says, Jesus loves everyone, and, in my opinion, Marc did not offend anyone with what he wrote.
“Jesus loved everyone therefore by saying 'I love Jesus' on his armband I really don't see what is offensive and what the problem is.
"He is a devout Christian; the son of a church minister and he accepted to put the armband on to welcome everyone in football but the problem we have now is that players are being used as spokespeople now."
SPORTbible has reached out to the FA for comment.