English footballer Marc Guehy has spoken publicly about his decision to write a religious message on top of his gay pride armband, saying his message was also one of “inclusivity”.
Gehi, who was born in Ivory Coast, is a devout Christian and plays for Crystal Palace, a soccer team in England's premier league.
Gehi agreed to wear the rainbow armband issued to team captains in the league. stone walla British gay charity, says it represents “lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people from around the world”.
But Gehi's choice to write “I love Jesus” on his armband has sparked headlines, which is in breach of English Football Association rules.
“I think the message was pretty clear, to be honest.”
The FA did not punish the player, but issued a warning about armband guidelines.
A few days later, Gehi spoke to Sky Sports about the controversy and made an interesting statement.
“I think the message was pretty clear, to be honest,” Guehi said. daily mail. “It was a message of love and truth, and it was also a message of inclusivity, so I think that speaks for itself.”
The guidelines state that players must wear a “simple armband that complies with slogan, statement, image and advertising requirements”.
At the same time, the uniform rules prohibit “any political or religious messages” and say violations of the rules “may result in disciplinary action.” This does not seem to be the case for the message specific to the rainbow armband.
“Mark didn't offend anyone with what he wrote.”
Gehi was the only player who protested in a sense. However, another captain, Sam Morsy from Ipswich Town, refused to wear the rainbow armband because he is Muslim. Instead, he wore a typical black captain's armband with no special markings.
However, Morsy had not received a warning from the FA and Gehi's father spoke out about the apparent double standard.
“What I'm saying is, did he offend anyone?” John Gehi said of his son. “I don't think so. I believe what the Bible says. Jesus loves everyone, and in my opinion, Mark did not offend anyone with what he wrote. ”
“I really don't know what's offensive and what's the problem,” he added.
The father called the rainbow armband itself an imposition of beliefs, saying, “The LGBT community… is trying to impose what they believe on others.”
He continued, “At the end of the day, everyone is entitled to an opinion. But if the purpose of that opinion is to offend you, then you have a problem, but if my opinion is just your own… If it's about expressing what you feel, then I think that's fine, and I don't think what Mark wrote on that armband was offensive.''
Apart from a very British remark about offensive speeches, the football dad said the focus should be on Morsy instead.
“People should pay more attention to those who refuse to wear it.”
“Mark said yes and did the right thing by wearing the armband, but people are criticizing what he wrote. He accepted wearing the armband. He tried to balance the message. That’s it.”
John Gehi concluded that it was a “problem” that footballers were being used as spokespeople for different beliefs.
“This is still a Christian country, so I don't see what's offensive about it.”
Gehi avoided a fine, but the Crystal Palace manager declared the team represented “unity”.
“Everyone is thinking about integration, non-discrimination and marks now,” Oliver Glasner said.
The coach added that he had discussed the issue with the player. “He is not a child. He is an adult and has his own opinion, which we respect.”
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