Crystal Palace captain, Marc Guéhi, is under scrutiny from the Football Association after writing another “Jesus loves you” on his rainbow armband during a match against Ipswich Town on Tuesday.
The England international had similarly inscribed “I love Jesus” on his armband in the previous game against Newcastle, prompting the FA to remind both Guéhi and his club of regulations that prohibit religious messages under Rule A4.
Guéhi, known for his devout Christian faith and whose father is a minister in south-east London, has previously spoken openly about his beliefs.
Despite the warning, he repeated the gesture against Ipswich, adding a heart symbol in place of the word “love.” The FA is now investigating the incident, with reports suggesting that Guéhi could face disciplinary action, including a possible suspension.
John Guéhi, Marc’s father, defended his son’s actions, arguing that the message was not offensive.
“I am saying did he offend anyone? I don’t think so,” he told Mail Online. “I do believe in what the Bible says, Jesus loves everyone, and, in my opinion, Marc did not offend anyone with what he wrote.”
John emphasized the importance of freedom of expression, particularly in a country with Christian roots, stating, “We are so thick-skinned in this country, God is everywhere in this country, and I know things change because of different beliefs but it is still a Christian country. Therefore, I don’t see what is offensive. 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.”
The rainbow armband is part of the Premier League’s support for Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, which runs from November 29 to December 5.
While Guéhi added a personal message, Ipswich captain Sam Morsy chose not to wear the armband at all, citing his Muslim faith.
The FA has indicated that Morsy’s decision is a personal matter between him and his club and does not constitute a breach of the rules.
John Guéhi believes the attention on his son is disproportionate compared to Morsy’s choice.
“[Marc] is talking about him, he loves Jesus and like I said he didn’t refuse to wear that armband, like Morsy, people should pay more attention to the person who refused to wear it,” he said.
“Marc said ‘Yes’ and did the right thing by wearing it but people are having a go at him for what he wrote, he accepted to wear the armband, he was just trying to balance the message.
He was saying, ‘You gave me the armband, as a Christian I don’t believe in your cause, but I will put it on’ but Morsy didn’t put it on because he said it was against his religion but more seems to be being said about Marc than him.”
