The armbands were issued to the 20 Premier League captains last weekend.
Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi has learnt his fate after writing ‘I love Jesus’ on his rainbow captain’s armband for Saturday’s 1-1 draw versus Newcastle United, as per ESPN.
The armbands, featuring the branding of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign in support of the LGBTQ+ community, were all given to the 20 Premier League skippers to wear in the last round of fixtures.
The Laws of the Game forbid “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images.”
“Initiative slogans/emblems promoting the game of football, respect and integrity,” such as through Rainbow Laces are allowed.
Law 4 states: “For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”
It has since been confirmed by Martyn Ziegler of The Times that the Football Association will not charge Marc Guehi for the message on his rainbow armband.
They will remind him though that religious messages are prohibited.
A modification was made last summer meaning all captains “must wear an armband which is simple and conforms to the requirements of Law 4 relating to slogans, statements, images and advertising.”
Sam Morsy of Ipswich Town ‘refused’ to wear a rainbow armband last weekend ‘due to religious reasons’, as per Mirror Football.
Ipswich confirmed to Mirror Football that this was due to religious reasons, with Morsy being a practising Muslim.
A spokesperson insisted the club ‘proudly supports’ the campaign of Rainbow Laces.
“Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone. We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance,” the spokesperson said.
“During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first-teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of Saturday’s game.
“A range of further initiatives are planned around Tuesday’s home game with Crystal Palace, including a takeover of the stadium’s big screen in the moments prior to kick-off.
“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs. We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”
