Soccer pros refused rainbow jerseys: “It’s miserable”

The refusal of some football pros to take part in a gesture of support against homophobia over the weekend has caused an uproar in France. “It’s miserable,” said French government spokesman Olivier Véran about her behavior on Monday on France 2. Homophobia isn’t an opinion, it’s a crime. To celebrate Wednesday’s anti-homophobia day, all Ligue 1 and 2 players should have worn shirts showing their number in rainbow colors.

The professional league (LFP) and the national umbrella organization of the sport had asked the players to do this. However, a number of players did not participate in the action. The National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) said it was not up to players to convey “collective messages”. One is surprised that the clubs asked the players to do so, it said in a statement.

Player justifies his decision

There was particular dissatisfaction with the Toulouse-Nantes game, in which four players did not want to wear the rainbow jersey. The statements from individual coaches, which were seen as relativizing, caused further annoyance. In previous years there had also been anger about players who had refused the campaign.

“Respect is a value that I value very much. That applies to others, but also to my personal beliefs. So I don’t think I’m the most suitable person to take part in this campaign,” defended Toulouse defender Zakaria Aboukhlal his non-participation on Twitter.

Punishment to be donated to SOS Homophobia

Nantes announced on Monday that they would financially sanction the player who refused to go out on the pitch in the Toulouse match against Toulouse. The club did not announce the amount of the penalty. However, the sum should be donated to the SOS Homophobie association. We regret the incident, but also condemn threats against the player and his family.

“We’re not asking you to ride a float at Pride. We’re just asking you to show solidarity against homophobia,” quoted sports magazine L’Équipe’ Yoann Lemaire, president of the Foot Ensemble organization, which campaigns against discrimination in football uses. On the France Info station, Lemaire called for more commitment from the clubs on the subject.

Memories of the World Cup in Qatar

Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera supported the campaign and commented on the controversy. “I think it’s the clubs responsibility to take sanctions,” she said. “In an action like this, which involves all clubs on the fundamental issue of non-discrimination, you have to show yourself.” The LFP and the French Football Federation (FFF) have not yet commented on the matter.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, world governing body FIFA threatened sanctions against seven European teams if they wore the “One Love” armband as a symbol of diversity and tolerance. The teams then gave up the action.