Marc Guehi explains decision to write 'I love Jesus' and 'Jesus loves you' on rainbow armband in new interview

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has explained his decision to write "I love Jesus" and "Jesus loves you" on his rainbow armband.

The 24-year-old defender has come under fire for wearing the messages on his captain's armband, which has been issued to all 20 Premier League clubs for two matchdays.

From the dates of November 29 to December 5, clubs in the Premier League will show support for LGBTQ+ inclusion by celebrating Stonewall’s 2024 Rainbow Laces campaign.

Across this period, the league and its clubs will showcase the work they carry out year-round to embed equality, diversity and inclusion, with Rainbow armbands being worn by captains across both matchdays.

On Saturday afternoon, Guehi wrote the phrase "I love Jesus" on his armband for Crystal Palace's clash with Newcastle.

It was a decision that prompted the FA to contact Palace to 'formally remind' them that the appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message is prohibited under Rule A4 of the FA's kit and advertising regulations.

But despite receiving that warning, Guehi chose to write the message "Jesus loves you" on his rainbow armband for the game against Ipswich Town on Tuesday.

Speaking to Sky Sports about his decision, the England international explained: “I think the message was pretty clear to be honest. It’s a message of love and truth as well and a message of inclusivity, so I think it speaks for itself.”

SPORTbible understands that the FA will not be taking any formal action against Guehi for his latest message, although it has reminded Crystal Palace of the kit regulations.

Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, a practising Muslim, chose not to wear the armband in the match against Palace due to his religious beliefs.

Guehi's church minister father John has since accused the FA of double standards after Morsy was not sent the same warning.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "I am saying did he offend anyone? 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.

"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 at the end of the day everyone has the right to an opinion.

"But if that opinion's aim is to offend you then there is a problem but if my opinion is just to express what I feel then I think that is fine and I don't think what Marc wrote on that armband is offensive.

"He 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.

"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."

He added: "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 arm band on to welcome everyone in football but the problem we have now is that players are being used as spokespeople now."

A Stonewall spokesperson told SPORTbible: "It has been incredible to see so many football teams at all levels support our campaign to make sport safer and more inclusive for all.

"When we see clubs show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion, it helps people feel safe and welcome both on and off the pitch. It is up to individuals to choose if and how they show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport."