Crystal Palace captain and England international, Marc Guehi, has avoided disciplinary action from the English Football Association (FA), despite breaching the Premier League regulations. The defender wrote a religious message on his rainbow armband to celebrate LGBTQ+ during Crystal Palace's Premier League outing against Newcastle United on 30 November, which ended up in a 1-1 draw.

The series of events 

Marc Guehi wrote religious messages on his captain's armband in Crystal Palace's dedicated 'Rainbow Laces' Premier League game against Newcastle United. Being a devoted Christian, he wrote "I love Jesus" on the armband for the game on 30 November 2024, which caught the eyes of the FA.

Significantly, Guehi did not write the word 'love' on the rainbow armband but he used a love sign instead. However, Guehi was warned about violating regulations regarding on-field slogans. Despite this warning, the 24-year-old defender proceeded to write "Jesus 'hearts' you" on his rainbow armband during the very next match against Ipswich Town on 4 December 2024. 

The regulation regarding slogans says:

Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans. For any offence, the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, the national association or by FIFA

The FA again warned Crystal Palace regarding the existing kit regulations. However, despite a second breach of the rule, they have decided against taking any measure.

Marc Guehi spoke to Sky Sports and explained his intentions behind the messages he wrote.

The message was pretty clear, to be honest. It was a message of love, of truth as well, and a message of inclusivity. So I think it speaks for itself,

Following the 1-0 victory against Ipswich on Tuesday, Palace manager Oliver Glasner commented regarding this issue in a post-match interview:

We respect every single player, especially Marc, who is our captain. He is a great guy, very humble and we shouldn't make it bigger than it is, he is very respectful to everyone in the club.

In football we are all against discrimination, it's a great campaign. We spoke about it, we speak often as he is my captain.

He is no child, he is an adult, he has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion. The quote of this campaign is to be tolerant and Marc is very tolerant.

Recent rejections against LGBTQ+ celebrations from the Premier League players 

The Premier League and FA partnered with Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ charity, to promote inclusivity and diversity in football. As part of their 'Rainbow Laces' campaign, all 20 Premier League clubs were provided with rainbow-colored captain armbands to wear during matches last weekend and this week. This initiative, which began in 2013, aims to raise awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community within the sport. 

However, there has been some recent displeasure the players have expressed due to their own opinions and beliefs. Ipswich Town's captain Sam Morsy was the only Premier League captain who did not wear the rainbow armband during the campaign in their recent PL outings against Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace. Ipswich stated that Morsy is a practicing Muslim and he did not wear the armband due to his religious beliefs. However, FA did not take any action as wearing the rainbow armband has not been mandatory.

On the other hand, Manchester United reportedly canceled plans to wear the special jackets supporting the LGBTQ+ community for their Premier League match against Everton on 1 December 2024; after one of their players refused to participate in the initiative. According to the Athletic, the player was Noussair Mazraoui who refused to wear the jackets due to his religious beliefs. United refused to confirm the identity of the player. 

Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Premier League football. This evening, we will bring you all the live updates, scores, news, and free commentary of the Manchester City vs Brighton Premier League 2024-25 fixture set to be played at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

Manchester City, the defending champions, are having a difficult season and are currently battling to secure a spot in continental competitions for next season. The Cityzens are now standing in the fifth position, having earned 47 points in 28 matches. On the other hand, Brighton are just one point behind City, positioned seventh as of now with 46 points in 28 games.

Although City is struggling, this encounter against Brighton will be crucial for both teams before heading onto the international break. So sit back and enjoy the game as we bring you all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary tonight.

This is Soumit Bhattacharya, who will bring you all the updates of the match from the web desk.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.

Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Premier League football. Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, scores, news, and free commentary of the Manchester United vs. Arsenal fixture at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, UK.

Manchester United is ready to face Arsenal on matchday 28 of the Premier League 2024-25 season at home. The Red Devils are currently in 14th place on the points table because of their inconsistent performance this season. The Manchester side secured an important three points against Ipswich Town. The match was to close but Harry Maguire's last-minute winning goal helped to secure an important victory. They are ready to lock horns with Arsenal.

On the other hand, the second-placed Arsenal is now 13 points behind the first-placed Liverpool. Mikel Arteta's managed side are winless in their recent matches in the Premier League 2024-25. Arsenal has lost to West Ham in a close battle and later were held to a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners did win their last four Premier League games against the Red Devils, but Ruben Amorim's managed side have knocked the Gunners out of the FA Cup.

So, sit back and relax as Swastik Debnath brings you the buildup, news, images, live scores, news, and updates of the Manchester United vs Arsenal match from our web desk. 

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scorelines.

For his part, Mohamed Salah has been dazzling the football world with astonishing performances and record-breaking feats. Just recently, he accomplished something incredible that had fans and analysts all in madness.

The only thing more incredible about this is that Lionel Messi has reached this insane milestone 13 times in his career. This gives a sense of Messi’s consistency, of course, a level that few, if anyone could have matched, and context to Salah’s achievement. Let’s break down the stats, and how the two superstars compare.

Mohamed Salah's 2024-25 season so far:

The Egyptian Talisman scored his 25th goal of the 2024-25 Premier League season in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Manchester City. Liverpool is at the top of the table and 11 points ahead of the second-placed Arsenal.

The Red's remarkable season has been led by Mohamed Salah, whose strike at the Etihad put his team in front and made it 25 goals for this season- six ahead of the Golden Boot contenders, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland.

Mohamed Salah's UCL 2024-25 Stats:

Matches Played: 7*

Goals: 3*

Assists: 4*

Goal Contribution: 7*

Total Attempts: 25*

Mohammed Salah's Premier League 2024-25 Stats: 

Matches Played: 27* 

Goals: 25*

Assists: 16*

Goal Contribution: 41*

Lionel Messi's 13 seasons with 50+ Goal Contributions:

No player in football history has a better rate or more consistency in front of goal than Lionel Messi. Messi's record of 50+ goal contributions (goals + assists) in a single season 13 times, most famously his 105 Goal Contribution in 2011-12 season.

Messi has maintained the best level of performance. His ability to score and assist with such solidity across different leagues. From his early years at Barcelona to his later success, Messi’s impact on the game has been unparalleled, making him without doubt one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

Messi's 13 Seasons with 50+ Goal Contributions:

With Arne Slot closing on winning the Premier League in his debut season as a manager, we present you the football facts of managers to win the Premier League in their debut season. If or when Liverpool win the Premier League 2024-25 title, Arne Slot will become only the fifth manager in Premier League history to achieve the feat. 

Here are the managers to win the Premier League title in their debut season in the league. Please note we have not included Claudio Ranieri's name for winning the title with Leicester City in 2015-16, because he had already managed Chelsea from 2000 to 2004. 

Managers to win Premier League in their debut season

Jose Mourinho | 2004-05

That is why he is the special one. Jose Mourinho came the Chelsea after winning the Champions League with Porto and created history right after that. In the 2004-05 season, Mourinho arrived at Chelsea with a champion mindset and started the season with a bang by beating Manchester United in his first game at the helm. 

With John Terry as the leader of the pack, young Peter Chech between the goals and players like Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, Mourinho took Chelsea to Premier League success with the then-record highest point of a season (95). 

However, that team still holds the Premier League record for conceding the least goals in a season (15) and most clean sheets in a season (25).

Read Also | Top 10 highest scoring midfielders in the 21st century: Football facts

Carlo Ancelotti | 2009-10

One of the greatest football managers of the generation, Carlo Ancelotti arrived in the Premier League and was able to replicate what Mourinho had done in his debut season. 

While Mourinho had made them solid in defence, the team started to fall apart during his latter years. After a few failures by the next managers, Ancelotti took the responsibility to bring the silverware back to Stamford Bridge. 

Ancelotti unleashed a ruthless attacking mindset within the team which resulted in Chelsea creating the records for most goals scored in a Premier League season (103),  most goals scored at home in a season (68), and winning the league with the best goal difference in a season (71).

Didier Drogba scored 29 goals in the Premier League for them. Frank Lampard also showed his class with 22 league goals that season.

Read Also | Managers with the Most Wins in UCL History

Manuel Pellegrini | 2013-14

Pellegrini led Manchester City to their second-ever Premier League in his debut season as the head coach at Etihad Stadium. After the success of Roberto Mancini just two seasons ago, where we saw Sergio Aguero creating history for them, Pellegrini took City back to the top. 

Yaya Toure with 20 goals led them in front as they scored more than 100 goals in a season for the first time in their history. Eden Dzeko with 16 goals and Sergio Aguero with 17 also were the stars for the Blues.

They won the league two points clear of runners-up Liverpool, who had earned 84 points.

Antonio Conte | 2016-17

Roman Ibrahimbovic somehow was always right with appointing coaches at the right time. Antonio Conte joined Chelsea during the mid-season after Guus Hiddink handled the team as interim coach. 

Conte formed a fluid 3-4-2-1 system and with the team already out of the European title race, he had only one thing to focus on. In a season which he called "a Mourinho season”, Chelesea created history by winning 13 straight league games in a row, an equal record for any English top-flight team to enter this special list of football facts.

Conte went on to win the Premier League Manager of the Month Award for October, November and December months. No manager had won the award in three consecutive months before him. 

Chelsea with 93 points won the Premier League as Conte became the third Chelsea coach to win the league in his debut season. 

Egyptian talisman Mohamed Salah is having some season at Liverpool. After Liverpool triumphed in a 2-0 win over Manchester City, Salah touched 50+ goal contributions this season across all competitions.

Salah's goalscoring tally in the 2024-25 Premier League touched 25 goals and he also provided 17 assists in 28 appearances this season.

The Egyptian international is crushing records as Salah became the only active player on this list, along with legends like Alan Shearer, Teddy Sheringham, Sergio Aguero, and Thierry Henry. 

Here is the full breakdown of the 10 players with the most goal contributions in Premier League history.

List of the 10 Premier League Players with the most Goal Contributions

1. Alan Shearer-324 Goal Contributions (260 Goals + 64 Assists)

Alan Shearer’s record as the Premier League’s top scorer is well-established. Still, the former English international also stands top for total goal contributions with an estimable further 64 assists for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.

Erling Haaland certainly has the goalscoring potential, but there is every chance he departs Manchester City for European heavyweights during his peak years.

2. Wayne Rooney-311 Goal Contributions (208 Goals +103 Assists)

The Premier League has seen some of the greatest scorers and creators. At the summit stands Alan Shearer, whose 324 combined goals and assists set a standard that remains unmatched. Wayne Rooney follows with an impressive 311 contributions, splitting his talent between scoring and assisting a true all-around offensive force.

3. Frank Lampard-279 Goal Contributions (177 Goals + 102 Assists)

Frank Lampard is the only Premier League midfielder who could achieve, accumulating 279 contributions from the center of the park. The man with the most goals and the most assists in Chelsea’s history.

4. Ryan Giggs- 271 Goal Contributions (109 Goals + 162 Assists)

Only three players have registered 100+ goals and 100+ assists in the Premier League, Ryan Giggs holds the outright record for Premier League assists with 162. Over fifty more than anybody else.

The former winger’s Manchester United career period from 1990 until 2014, during which time he contributed to 271 Premier League goals.

5. Mohamed Salah-267 Goal Contributions (182 Goals + 82 Assists)*

Mohamed Salah’s remarkable rise demonstrates how today’s high-intensity football can elevate a skilled wide forward. He has surpassed four Premier League legends in Aguero, Henry, Kane, and Cole after craving an insane tally of 25 goals and 17 assists, so far in his amazing 2024-25 campaign so far.

6. Andrew Cole- 260 Goal Contributions (187 Goals + 73 Assists)

Andrew Cole, from an earlier era, matched Salah’s goal-scoring expertise but did so as a traditional number nine. Cole scored 187 Premier League goals, and he did not even score a goal with a penalty. A further 73 assists are not bad going, either.

7. Harry Kane- 259 Goal Contributions (213 Goals + 46 Assists)

Tottenham and England’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League, but Shearer's record looks safe after his 100 million euro transfer to Bayern Munich. Unfortunately, the number nine has failed to win any trophies with the North London side. 

Surprisingly enough, despite dropping deeper and becoming more of a playmaker in his latter Premier League days, Harry Kane registers the fewest assists of any player in the top 10 with 46. Fourteen of those assists came in Tottenham’s 2020-21 campaign.

8. Thierry Henry- 249 Goal Contributions (175 Goals + 74 Assists)

The Frenchman spent eight seasons in the Premier League. In 2002-03, Thierry Henry became the first player to register 20+ goals and assists (24 goals, 20 assists) in a Premier League campaign. Thierry Henry’s elegant style produced 175 goals and 74 assists.

9. Sergio Aguero- 231 Goal Contributions (184 Goals + 47 Assists)

Sergio Aguero established himself as one of the greatest Centre-forwards of the Premier League era. “We love him so much,” Pep Guardiola tearfully responded after Sergio Aguero played his final match for Manchester City back in 2021.

Aguero's consistency left an indelible mark on the league. The Argentine forward netted 184 goals, which is more than the Gunners' icon Thierry Henry.

10. Teddy Sheringham- 222 Goal Contributions (146 Goals + 76 Assists)

Teddy Sheringham still holds the record for the oldest player to appear in the Premier League, having framed for West Ham at the age of 40. Given his career as a Premier League devotee, it is no surprise to see his name on this list.

The forward had already been a pro for nearly a decade by the time England’s top flight was rebranded in 1992. But he was still racing at the highest level as late as 2007 and did not retire until 2008.