Mashemeji Derby: How AFC Leopards Star Broke Football Rules With ‘I Belong to Jesus’ Shirt

• Brian Wanyama's celebration after scoring against Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji derby could land him in trouble if football laws are followed
• The AFC Leopards' number 8 cancelled out Austine Odhiambo's first-half goal and celebrated by showing a 'I belong to Jesus' shirt
• TUKO.co.ke explains what the law says about religious messages and the players who have been punished for it in recent months

The 97th Mashemeji derby held at the Raila Odinga Stadium on June 2 was far from a classic, but one of severe ramifications.

Can Gor Mahia still win the Kenya Premier League title?

Gor Mahia were pegged back by their longtime rivals, AFC Leopards, as both sides settled for a point apiece for the second time this season.

Last season's Most Valuable Player (MVP), Austine Odhiambo, broke the deadlock after the half-hour mark with a shot from the edge of the area. Shortly after the restart, Brian Wanyama responded in kind for Ingwe after Gor Mahia failed to clear a set piece.

The result opened the door for Kenya Police to usurp Gor Mahia and win their maiden title. The Etienne Ndayiragije-coached side need only one point from their remaining two games to be crowned champions.

Gor Mahia's next games

Gor Mahia face Ulinzi Stars before a showdown with Kenya Police in the last game of the season. Police play Shabana FC in Machakos first before meeting Gor.

K'Ogalo also have a date with Nairobi United in the FKF Mozzart Cup final for a chance to qualify for next season's CAF Confederation Cup.

How AFC Leopards' Brian Wanyama broke football laws

But away from the result its significance to the title race, one thing that went under the radar was Wanyama's celebration, which has put players in trouble before.

After scoring, Wanyama removed his shirt and displayed a 'I belong to Jesus' shirt. Centre referee Peter Kamaku gave him a yellow card, which is the standard rule for removing a shirt, but it could be more if football laws are followed to the letter.

For what looks like such a harmless message, players worldwide have got into trouble for displaying religious messages.

Why are religious messages banned in football?

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is the body in charge of coming up with and implementing football laws that are used world over by FIFA member associations, which Kenya is a part of.

Section four of the rules, which strictly prohibits certain messages, states that,

"Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo."

The law further goes on to say that sanctions must be meted out on the offending player or team

"For any offence, the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA."

Players who were punished for 'I belong to Jesus' celebration

Ghanaian player Emmanuel Annor was recently fined GHS 500 (approximately KSh 6,300) for showcasing the same celebration after scoring against Asante Kotoko.

In a statement, Ghana's Football Association labelled the celebration a 'misconduct' and gave a stern warning.

"Nations FC player Emmanuel Annor has been fined GHS 500 by the Disciplinary Committee for misconduct during their Ghana Premier League game against Asante Kotoko.

The player was found guilty of displaying a religious message on his undergarment after removing his shirt in celebration.

He has also been strongly warned that any further misconduct will result in severe sanctions."

Cody Gakpo, Marc Guehi escape sanctions

In England, Liverpool star Cody Gakpo and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi have had run-ins with the Football Association (FA).

Gakpo showed the same message after scoring in their title-winning game against Tottenham Hotspur, while Guehi wrote 'I love Jesus' on his armband.

Both players escaped without any sanctions but were duly reminded by the FA that they had flouted the rules.

Michael Olunga leaves Al Duhail

In a separate report, Michael Olunga announced his exit from Al Duhail after four successful years.

The Harambee Stars captain left the Qatari giants as their all-time top scorer after finding the back of the net 130 times.

At just 31 years of age, the striker is poised to land at a new club ahead of next season.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke