Marc Guehi: Crystal Palace captain writes on rainbow captain’s armband despite FA reminder
Mark Geshe wrote the message “Jesus loves you” on his rainbow captain’s armband during Crystal Palace’s game against Ipswich Town, despite a reminder from the Football Association that religious messages on shirts are banned.
Premier League clubs are showing their support for LGBTQ+ participation in sport by participating in charity Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces event, wearing rainbow armbands.
The Football Association told Geshe and his club that religious messages on the shirts are banned after the 24-year-old wore a rainbow armband that read “I love Jesus” during Crystal Palace’s match against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy stopped wearing his rainbow armband on Tuesday after his club said he had chosen not to wear one at the weekend Because of his “religious beliefs.”
Follow him Portman Road won 1-0, Palace manager Oliver Glasner called for “calm” over the issue.
“Everyone is concerned about integration and no discrimination right now, and so is Mark,” Glasner told Amazon Prime.
“We all share the same views. We play sport and within sport we are always against discrimination and any form of abuse, and so is Mark.”
Glasner said he discussed the issue with Gersh before the game, adding that the England international was “not a kid”.
“He has his opinions, and we accept and respect every opinion,” Glasner added.
“That’s the mantra of this campaign, it’s tolerance, and Mark is very tolerant, so it’s all good.”
Geshe’s actions on Saturday could result in formal charges from the FA.
FA Shirt Rule A4 and Advertising Regulations prohibit “the appearance or inclusion of any religious message on any clothing, football boots or other equipment”.
Premier League clubs’ support for rainbow laces starts on November 29 and runs until December 5.
A spokesman for Stonewall said on Tuesday: “It’s incredible to see so many football teams at all levels supporting our sport in making sport safer and more inclusive for everyone.
“When we see clubs expressing support for LGBTQ+ inclusion, it makes people feel safe and welcome on and off the pitch. Individuals can choose whether and how they express support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.”
