Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has broken his silence after writing a religious message on his rainbow captain's armband for two Premier League matches.
As part of the Premier League's LGBTQ+ inclusion initiative, in association with the charity Stonewall, that aims to tackle the issue of homophobia, all 20 top-flight captains were encouraged to wear rainbow armbands for last weekend's round of fixtures and for the ongoing midweek games.
Guehi - a devout Christian and son of a church minister - wrote a 'Jesus loves you' message on his rainbow armband for Crystal Palace's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United last Saturday.
The England international was warned by the Football Association not to repeat his actions, but wore the same armband with the same message for Palace's 1-0 win away against Ipswich Town on Tuesday night.
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It is understood that the FA are not going to take formal action against Guehi, even though the 24-year-old ignored the organisation's reminder that all religious messaging is banned on kits.
Rule A4 of the FA's kit and advertising regulations prohibit the "appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message".
Guehi was not the only Premier League captain to cause controversy over the past two matches, as Ipswich captain Sam Morsy has refused to wear the rainbow armband altogether due to his religious beliefs.
Morsy is a practising Muslim and he was backed by Ipswich for not wearing the rainbow armband, although the Tractor Boys have insisted that they still "proudly support" the Premier League's rainbow campaign.
Guehi: 'It was a message of love, truth and inclusivity'
Guehi has now explained the message written on his armband, telling Sky Sports: "I think the message was pretty clear to be honest. It was a message of love and truth as well, and a message of inclusivity so I think it speaks for itself.
"I don't think the message was harmful in any way - that's all I can really say about that to be honest."
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Glasner: "We accept and respect every opinion"
Amidst a wave of support towards Guehi, Crystal Palace teammate Maxence Lacroix took to Instagram to post an image of himself along with the message: "I love Jesus and he loves you!", and Jean-Philippe Mateta replied: "Amen".
Eberechi Eze also posted an image of himself on Instagram following Palace's win against Ipswich along with the caption: "On the road! Love you Jesus".
Meanwhile, Palace manager Oliver Glasner has called for "calm" over the incident, telling Amazon Prime: "Everyone now is about integration, no discrimination and Marc as well.
"We all have the same opinion. We are in sports and in sports we are always against discrimination and any kind of abuse, and Marc as well."
Glasner has confirmed that he spoke to Guehi about the issue before Tuesday's win at Ipswich and added that the defender is "not a child".
"He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion," said the Austrian. "This is the quote of this campaign, it's being tolerant and Marc is very tolerant so everything is fine."
Guehi, who has played the full 90 minutes in all 14 of Crystal Palace's Premier League games this season and is considered an integral first-team player, is expected to start once again as captain when the Eagles welcome Manchester City to Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Oliver Thomas
