Liverpool FC forward Cody Gakpo is set to receive a formal warning from the Football Association (FA) after displaying a Christian message during a recent Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur. Following a goal, Gakpo lifted his jersey to reveal an undershirt bearing the message “I Belong To Jesus,” raising both hands toward the sky in a clear act of religious expression.

The incident has drawn attention due to existing FIFA and FA regulations prohibiting players from displaying political, religious, or personal messages on the field. While Gakpo's gesture was an open declaration of faith, it falls under this restriction, prompting disciplinary action.

This is not the first time a Christian player has faced scrutiny under these rules. Five months ago, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi received a warning for modifying a rainbow armband to include the phrase “I love Jesus.” Guéhi later stated in an interview, “My faith is a big part of who I am. I was raised to love God.”

Critics argue that the enforcement of such regulations may reflect a double standard, particularly regarding religious expression. Some point to the case of Sam Morsy, a Muslim player who reportedly declined to wear a rainbow armband without consequence. The FA has not issued a clear explanation as to why some expressions are penalized while others are not.

The Gakpo incident has reignited broader questions about the role of personal belief in professional sports. As leagues increasingly embrace social and political messaging, players of faith are navigating a complex terrain where spiritual conviction meets institutional regulation.

How governing bodies respond in the coming weeks may help clarify the limits of expression in one of the world’s most watched and influential sporting arenas.