Stop censoring Christianity on the pitch

Why can football players celebrate LGBTQ+ sexuality but not their love for Jesus?

After scoring in Liverpool’s 5–1 title-winning victory over Tottenham, Cody Gakpo lifted his shirt to reveal a vest that read: “I belong to Jesus.”

It was a moment of giving glory to God — a public witness of his faith on one of the biggest stages in football.

Cody’s faith is a powerful example to young Christians everywhere. By displaying his faith, he has shown that it is possible to live out your beliefs boldly.

Yet, for honouring Christ in that moment, Gakpo was punished.

In addition to receiving the standard yellow card from referee Thomas Bramall for removing his jersey, Gakpo was formally reprimanded by the FA, who warned that any further public expressions of faith could lead to a match ban.

According to Law 4 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which the FA follows:

"Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious or personal slogans."

But the FA is highly selective in how it applies this.

It actively promotes the controversial LGBTQ+ group Stonewall’s highly political Rainbow Laces campaign — issuing Pride-themed captain’s armbands and encouraging players to wear rainbow laces.

Stonewall has been widely discredited for pushing extreme and divisive views, yet the FA continues to promote the group and its highly political and toxic messaging. Meanwhile, peaceful Christian expressions like “I belong to Jesus” are censored.

Earlier this season, the FA also reprimanded Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi for writing "I love Jesus" and "Jesus loves you :)" on a Pride-themed armband that club captains had been instructed to wear as part of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.

The double standard is blatant.

The FA cannot claim neutrality while selectively enforcing its rules to favour political ideology over personal belief.

That’s why we’ve launched a petition calling on the FA to end its censorship of Christian players.

Sign our petition to the FA urging them to end their hypocrisy. It’s unfair and unreasonable to promote LGBTQ+ ideology while stopping Christians from showing their dedication to Jesus.

While you’re signing the petition, consider adding a message of support to Gakpo — we'll pass them on to him before the final game of the season.

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More information:

• Cody Gakpo to be sent a FA warning for unveiling 'I belong to Jesus' vest after scoring in Liverpool's thumping 5-1 title-sealing win over Tottenham [Mail]: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14660995/Cody-Gakpo-Liverpool-FA-warning-religious-vest.html


• Cody Gakpo avoids a ban over goal celebration on Sunday as FA set to issue stern reminder [Empire of the KOP]: https://www.empireofthekop.com/2025/04/30/gakpo-fa-warning-jesus-message-celebration/


• The unstoppable rise of Christianity in football [Spectator (£) | Sam Matthews Boehmer]: https://archive.ph/XLo79


• Marc Guehi defies FA with ‘Jesus Loves You’ on rainbow armband despite ban threat [Telegraph (£)]: https://archive.ph/E2Tin


• Marc Guehi has exposed the flaw in football’s Rainbow Laces campaign [Spectator (£)]: https://archive.ph/U0Foa

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This petition is written with the support of Christian Concern (CGPE240430).

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