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Ligue 1 clubs and players have clashed over the league's recent anti-homophobia campaign, with differing views on the merits and timing of the movement causing infractions
There has been a clash of opinions between Ligue 1 organisers and players as some of the league’s stars have refused to identify with the recent anti-homophobia campaign.
Players sidelined for Ligue 1 game after refusing to partake in anti-homophobia campaign
Ligue 1 clubs this weekend wore rainbow numbers on their jerseys in solidarity with the league’s stance on homophobia, but a number of prominent players said they wanted no part in the campaign, with some even sitting out matches based on their ideals.
Five players from mid-table Toulouse, including Zakaria Aboukhlal, Moussa Diarra, Fares Chaibi, Logan Costa, and Said Hamulic, all opposed the idea of the rainbow numbers and armbands, and they were joined by Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed and Guinamp’s Donatien Gomis in Ligue 2.
Three of Toulouse’s five opposing players, Aboukhlal, Diarra, and Hamulic, were sidelined by their club for the game against Nantes after they were adamant that they would not play in the rainbow-numbered kits, while Les Canaris fined Mohamed for failing to participate as well.
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The club released a statement to that effect: "Players of the professional squad have expressed disagreement over the association of their image with rainbow colours representing the LGBT movement.
“Although respectful of the individual choices of their players, and after numerous exchanges, Toulouse Football Club has chosen to sideline said players for the game scheduled for this Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Toulouse Stadium.”
Toulouse also reaffirmed their commitment to fairness and an end to discrimination, saying, “Our players are chosen for their human qualities regardless of their beliefs or convictions.
“Finally, Toulouse Football Club would like to mention their long-standing commitment to the fight against homophobia and all forms of discrimination.”
Ligue 1 and players face backlash as anti-homophobia campaign row heats up
The decision to omit players from their squad to face Nantes received backlash from Brest coach Eric Roy who was upset that the timing of the campaign adversely affected his team’s chances for survival as a weakened Toulouse had to take on Nantes who are also in the relegation battle.
Roy said, “It’s catastrophic (the timing). We’re clearly seeing that it’s causing a problem for some players. Everyone has their opinions, personally, it’s not a problem for me. So don’t do it in the last four matches of the season, when these matches concern the clubs’ survival. I am in favour of action, and it’s good that the Ligue is committed, even if I think it should primarily take care of football.”
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A spokesperson for the French Government who organised the campaign with Ligue 1, Olivier Véran, decried the decision of some players not to take part in the movement, saying such players were wrong for backing away from an opportunity to denounce homophobia in the society.
He said, “It’s rubbish, simple as that. I read earlier an article quoting a national team manager, I think, that said homophobia is an opinion. It’s not, it’s a crime.
“It’s anachronistic. We live in a French and European society and time where everyone is free to love one another as we please.
“There are so many young people that are suffering from homophobia today in their daily lives.“
There has been no talk of further punishments for players that refused to take part in the matchday as a result of stance on the Ligue 1’s anti-homophobia campaign, but they, or the league itself might still face some backlash over the issue, especially after it refused to grant Muslim players breaks to break their fast during Ramadan just a few weeks ago.
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