Ousmane Dembele among four PSG players with suspended bans for homophobic chanting

Four Paris Saint-Germain players were lucky to escape serious punishment after they received only suspended sentences for homophobic chanting following Les Parisiens’ match against Marseille. 

During PSG’s Ligue 1 fixture against Marseille, fans of the reigning Ligue 1 champions were heard celebrating their advantage over their visitors and mocking L’OM with a homophobic chant, and following the final whistle, four Parisiens players joined their fans in the chanting. 

Ousmane Dembele, Layvin Kurzawa, Randal Kolo Muani, and Achraf Hakimi were the players involved in the incident, and the players were given a stern warning against future behaviour that undermines homosexuals. 

All four players received suspended one-match bans that will become active if they commit further similar offences. 

PSG were also punished for the behaviour of their fans and players, as a section of the Parc des Princes will now be closed for at least one match. 

The Auteuil stand of the statement, where the chanting was concentrated, is due to be closed for two matches, although the suspension of the stand in one of those matches is provisional and only active if another offence is committed. 

PSG have released a statement decrying the closure of a stand at their Parc des Princes Stadium, saying, "The club regrets that the Disciplinary Commission has opted for an excessive and collective measure, likely to undermine the work of dialogue and prevention undertaken by the Club with associations, institutions and fans."

The Ligue 1 side’s next home fixture in the league is against Strasbourg after the international break.