Guéhi faces ban for ‘I Love Jesus’ inscription on LGBTQ-themed armband

Information reaching Diaspora Digital Media has it that Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guéhi is facing a potential English Football Association (FA) charge for writing “I love Jesus” on his rainbow-coloured captain’s armband during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.

The rainbow-coloured armband was part of a campaign by the Premier League and Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community.

However, Guéhi’s decision to add a personal message has sparked controversy, with some viewing it as a contradiction to the campaign’s message.

According to the FA, Guéhi actions may have violated regulations that prohibit players from displaying personal or religious messages on their uniforms.

The FA is expected to investigate the matter and may impose a charge or penalty on Guéhi.

What is LGBTQ?

LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and others.

The acronym encompasses a range of sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.

Lesbians are women who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other women.

Gays are men who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other men.

Bisexuals are people who are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to both men and women.

Transgenders are individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Queer or Questioning refers to individuals who are exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Other identities that are often included under the LGBTQ+ umbrella include intersex, asexual, pansexual, and non-binary individuals.

LGBTQ in the Premier League

The Premier League has yet to see an openly gay footballer, but there are hopes that this will change in the near future.

Jake Daniels, a Blackpool player, came out as gay in 2022, becoming the first openly gay male professional footballer in England

Liz Ward, director of programmes at Stonewall, believes that having an openly gay Premier League footballer would be a game-changer.

“It would be incredible to have a Premier League footballer who is openly gay,” she said. “It would show that football is a welcoming and inclusive sport.”

While there are no openly gay Premier League footballers, there are efforts being made to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in football.

The Premier League has partnered with Stonewall to promote diversity and inclusion, and many clubs have their own LGBTQ+ fan groups.

Who is Marc Guehi?

Marc Guéhi plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Crystal Palace and the England national team.

Born on July 13, 2000, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Guéhi moved to London with his family at the age of one and grew up in Lewisham.

Guéhi began his youth career at Cray Wanderers before joining Chelsea’s academy in 2007.

He progressed through the ranks, signing his first professional contract in 2017.

Guéhi made his professional debut for Chelsea in 2019 and later spent two seasons on loan at Swansea City.

In 2021, Guéhi joined Crystal Palace on a five-year contract, becoming the club’s third-most expensive signing.

He has since established himself as a key player for the team, making over 100 appearances.

At the international level, Guéhi has represented England at various youth levels, winning the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

He made his senior debut for England in 2022 and was part of the team that finished as runners-up at UEFA Euro 2024.

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