A Ghanaian Premier League footballer has criticised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after being fined for displaying a religious message during a match.
Emmanuel Annor, a striker for Nations FC, was handed a GHS 500 fine and a formal warning by the GFA’s Disciplinary Committee following a goal celebration against Asante Kotoko in which he removed his shirt to reveal an undershirt bearing the words: “I belong to Jesus.”
The GFA cited its regulations, which prohibit players from displaying political, religious, or personal messages during matches, in issuing the punishment. Officials warned that any repeat offence could lead to more severe sanctions.
However, Annor responded defiantly on social media, questioning what he described as a double standard in the enforcement of the rules.
“Why can football players celebrate LGBTQ+ sexuality but not their love for Christ?” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The post was accompanied by a Bible verse from Romans 14:8 and concluded with the phrase: “It’s the Kingdom’s work on the pitch!”
The incident has sparked debate online, with some supporting Annor’s stance on religious expression, while others defended the GFA’s rules aimed at maintaining neutrality in sport.
Source:TheDotNews