Does faith play a role in sports?

When Crystal Palace’s Mark Guehi scored against Arsenal on Tuesday night, he did what he often does – point to the sky.

Arsenal’s Jurrian Temper – nicknamed ‘Pastor Temper’ by fans – followed suit when he scored in the penalty shootout late in the match.

Both teams have influential players who have recently discussed the importance of their Christian beliefs.

And it’s not just in football where we’ve seen contradictory headlines about professional athletes showing their faith.

Earlier this year, at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, British runner Jeremiah Azo was warned not to wear a headband that said “100% Jesus.”

But can your beliefs affect how you perform – and how you are treated – in the sport you play?

Sports governing bodies often have rules against the display of religious and political slogans during competition.

Jeremiah was not officially penalized for wearing the “100% Jesus” headband in the 400m semi-final, but IAAF bosses said they had spoken to his team about the accessory.

The 24-year-old says he now supports rules that separate religion from the path, but he is glad he did.

He told BBC Newsbeat that he believes his “strength” comes from his faith, and he wore the headband to show that.

His father was a pastor, so Jeremiah says religion has always been a part of his life.

“We read the Bible at home, and we prayed at home,” he recalls.

He says his religion helps him perform athletics.

“As a Christian you have to be disciplined,” he says, a trait he feels carries over to track and field.

“There are days when it’s hard to push through, but I know I have to do it with the discipline I’ve gained from my faith,” he explains.

Although Jeremiah says he’s never felt “silenced” when speaking about his faith, the up-and-coming athlete tells Newsbeat it’s not always that simple.

Semi-professional footballer Zainab Al-Moudin, who plays for Chesham United Women’s Football Club, says there are challenges as a Muslim player wearing a hijab.

The garment is worn over the head as a show of modesty, but is not always welcomed on the football field.

It was banned by FIFA until 2014, when players were allowed to wear it for religious reasons.

Just two years ago, Moroccan defender Nahila Benzina, 27, made history when she became the first player to wear a hijab at the World Cup.

Zainab, 22, says her faith means everything to her, from the way she acts to the way she dresses.

She says it has been a real journey to feel comfortable wearing the hijab while playing football.

“At first I hated it, I hated the way it looked on me,” she says.

“My hijab was my biggest source of insecurity, and then it became my biggest source of strength.

“Whether you like it or not, you’re going to watch me and you’re going to watch me more than anyone else.”

Zainab feels that there is still a difference in how Muslim players are treated compared to female players.

“With a Muslim female player, it’s obviously different, and I think that’s where the rift happens,” she says.

Having grown up with no one “like her” in football to inspire her, Zeinab says she wants to be a role model for others.

“All the girls growing up now need this representation to play,” she says.

There are studies on how a positive mindset and confidence affect your performance.

Religion isn’t always a part of it – many athletes have rituals they “must” follow before a big match or race to focus on themselves.

Some state that their faith forms part of the preparations for a major event.

A Seoul University study published in 2000, based on interviews with 180 athletes in 41 sports, identified prayer as one of seven key “coping strategies” used by those surveyed to combat anxiety before a major event.

He noted that this may have a positive impact on their performance.

Semi-professional footballer Jayden Chang-Brown, of Lingfield Football Club, tells Newsbeat his faith has helped him manage his emotions in a slightly different way.

“I sometimes feel like my passion might get the better of me in the past,” he says.

“Sometimes I would attack my teammates.

“It really helps me to give me peace when I’m on the field.”

Jayden says his faith has helped him improve his mentality and “tap into the psychological side of football” when he plays.

The 21-year-old describes himself as a “born-again Christian” and says his religion is the most important thing in his life.

“It’s bigger than football, it’s bigger than everything,” he says.

“People think it’s not cool to be bold in your faith, but it is.

“You can laugh and laugh, but this is what I believe.”

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