FA makes surprise decision on Marc Guehi after Crystal Palace star breaks rules with rainbow armband message for second game in a row

After being spotted with the message “I love Jesus” written on his armband for his team's clash against Newcastle, the centre-back then took to the field with "Jesus loves you" written on the band as they beat Ipswich 1-0 on Tuesday.

The FA reminded Palace and Guehi of the rules prohibiting such slogans after the incident at the weekend, The Telegraph reports, and even though he decided to double down and display a second message, he will not be punished. Meanwhile, Ipswich captain Sam Morsy refused to wear the rainbow armband, which displays support for the LGBTQ+ community, but will not face punishment.

Guehi's dad, a church minister, has accused the FA of having double standards on the issue, telling The Daily Mail: "The FA are happy for the crowd to sing God Save the King when England plays, which mentions God and religion. And they are happy to have the religious hymn Abide With Me during the cup final. And yet they have a go at my son for expressing his beliefs. Where is the sense in that? What exactly has he done wrong?

"I back my son for what he did. He’s my son and, of course, I stand with him. I don’t see anything wrong in the message that was on his armband, do you? I haven’t had a chance to speak with him yet about it. I am a church minister and a devout Christian, and so is Marc. He didn’t refuse to wear the rainbow armband, so where is the problem? Morsy refused to wear the armband, but my son didn’t, he wore it."

He added: "Jesus loved everyone. Therefore, by saying ‘I love Jesus’ on his armband I really don’t see what is offensive and what the problem is. If you look at what the LGBT community are doing, they are trying to impose on others what they believe in. It’s belief against belief, but at the end of the day everyone has the right to an opinion."

After avoiding punishment over the armband, the England international will lead Crystal Palace out as they host Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.