English footballer Marc Guéhi received a warning from the Football Association on Saturday after the Crystal Palace centre-back wore an armband with the words “I love Jesus”.

According to ESPN, the team captain wrote the Christian saying on a rainbow-colored ribbon meant to represent the LGBTQ flag.

FA rules allow “initiative slogans/emblems to promote the game of football, respect and integrity” but prohibit players from wearing clothing or equipment with “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.

While the association reminded Guéhi and Crystal Palace of their responsibilities as athletes and teams respectively, neither will face formal legal action over the armband in question.

An FA spokesman said in a statement that there was no official warning after Guéhi wore the band with the three-word phrase during his team's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

“Marc Guehi has not received an official warning from us,” said the FA representative. “We have contacted Crystal Palace to formally remind them and Marc Guehi that the appearance of a religious message on or incorporation into any clothing, football boot or other equipment is prohibited under Rule A4 of our Equipment and Advertising Regulations.”

Printed in the colors of the rainbow and distributed to all 20 Premier League clubs, the Rainbow Laces Initiative kit aims to promote mainstream acceptance of LGBTQ people in football. However, this message is not considered a violation of the ban on personal, political and religious expression. According to reports, the FA sees it as a symbol of “respect and tolerance”.

Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, who is Muslim, refused to wear the armband for religious reasons.

In response, the FA said that Morsy's decision was a matter for the team, adding that he faced no official consequences for his choice. The club, in turn, said it was “committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone,” and noted that it respected Morsy’s decision “based on his religious beliefs.”

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