Marc Guehi speaks out on scrawling 'Jesus loves you' on Rainbow armband as Crystal Palace star insists he was sending a 'message of inclusivity' after avoiding FA punishment

The Palace captain avoided punishment for writing on his Rainbow armband again, despite receiving a Football Association (FA) warning after he wrote "I love Jesus" on it before Saturday's game against Newcastle. Premier League captains were wearing the armbands as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign, showing solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in football.

Not put off by the FA's warning, Guehi appeared with "Jesus loves you" written on his armband in the 1-0 win over Ipswich Town on Tuesday. The 24-year-old has now spoken out about the messages and his reason for writing them.

"The message was just a message of truth and love and inclusivity to be honest," Guehi told the BBC. "I don't think the message was harmful in any way - that's all I can really say about that to be honest."

He added: "I believe 100% in the words that I wrote, even what I've just said now - it's a message of truth and love, and I hope people can understand that my faith is my faith, and I'll stand by it for the rest of my life."

The Palace centre-back lined up against Ipswich's Sam Morsy on Tuesday, who himself has attracted attention by refusing the wear the Rainbow armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community due to his religious beliefs.

Guehi will be in action on Saturday when Oliver Glasner's Palace host Manchester City. Captains will return to their normal armbands at the weekend.