Religion and Sport
A number of football players, after scoring a goal, point to the sky as a religious expression.
For example, this happened twice recently in the match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC, after Marc Guehi scored against Arsenal and Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber - nicknamed ‘Pastor Timber’ by fans – did the same when he scored in the penalty shoot-out at the end of the match.
Religious expressions also occur in other sports.
For example, at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, earlier this year, British sprinter, Jeremiah Azu, was warned about wearing a “100% Jesus” headband but was not sanctioned for doing so; however, World Athletics spoke to his team about it.
Many Sports Governing Bodies have rules against displaying religious and political slogans during their competitions.
For example, FIFA, the World Governing Body of association football, has such rules. Law 4 of the Laws of the Game prohibits players from displaying political, religious, or personal slogans, statements, or images on any part of their equipment, including undergarments and armbands.
However, FIFA has approved the wearing of religious head coverings, such as the sports hijab, provided that they are safe and do not pose any danger to the player or others.
For example, two years ago, Moroccan defender, Nouhaila Benzina, made history by becoming the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup.
Also, spontaneous religious gestures, such as pointing to the sky, are generally tolerated by FIFA and its member associations.
Of course, religion and sport is not new, dating back to the Greek Olympics, which linked sport with the sacred, and, more recently, the Scottish Olympic sprinter, Eric Liddell, the inspiration for the film ‘Chariots of Fire’ and who refused to compete on a Sunday!
The question often posed is: does religion help sports performance?
As far as Jeremiah Azu, mentioned above, is concerned, it does!
He remarked:
“As a Christian you have to be disciplined.”
And added:
“There’s days where it’s difficult to push, but I know I have to from the discipline I’ve got from my faith.”
There may be something in what he says!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
