Football: Rainbow Arm Bands Controversy
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The wearing of rainbow arm bands by footballers in England is causing controversy both on and off the pitch.
The bands are in support of LGBTQ rights and this movement began in 2013 and involves the captains of leading English football clubs wearing them for a week each season.
Some players are wearing the armbands, whilst others are refusing to do so.
For example, Sam Morsy, the captain of Ipswich Town FC, who is a practising Muslim, has refused to wear the armband on religious grounds.
Whilst Marc Guehi, of Crystal Palace FC, is not only wearing the armband, but has also written on his the words “I love Jesus”, which has led to a formal reprimand from the English Football Association (FA).
The FA itself is facing a possible legal action claiming that the rainbow armbands campaign breaches FA rules on slogans, images and statements on football kit.
Such breaches can lead to sanctions being imposed by the FA, the competition organiser or by FIFA on the players and/or their teams.
The FA, it is claimed, is breaching its own rules by encouraging, authorising or directing players to wear these armbands, and the FA is, therefore, acting unlawfully.
Inclusion is one thing, which is to be admired, but breaching the rules of the game is, of course, something entirely different!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
