Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on May 19, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 23, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleLigue 1's anti-homophobia campaign faced backlash as players refused participation, leading to controversy and calls for action from France's sports minister.
By Julien Pretot
PARIS (Reuters) -What was meant to be a weekend of solidarity against homophobia in Ligue 1 descended into controversy and embarrassment for French football, as players refused to wear campaign symbols, one striker boycotted his team's match, and a homophobic slur was heard in a stadium tunnel.
Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Nemanja Matic and Le Havre's Ahmed Hassan concealed the French league's anti-homophobia insignia during Saturday's fixtures.
Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed withdrew from his side's match against Montpellier, citing personal convictions — the third time the Egyptian international has opted out of the initiative.
Meanwhile, Lens defender Jonathan Gradit was heard directing a homophobic insult at halftime in the tunnel during their game against Monaco.
The string of incidents prompted France's new sports minister, Marie Barsacq, to issue a pointed statement on Sunday, calling for decisive action.
"Football has a massive platform, and the (French Football) Federation is determined to put this issue on the clubs' and supporters' agenda," Barsacq said.
"Homophobic insults and behaviour are no longer acceptable. Society has evolved, and the language in football must change with it. There's a full range of sanctions available, and they must be applied."
Ligue 1 had planned for players to wear rainbow-coloured symbols on shirts or armbands and display messages in stadiums as part of its annual awareness drive.
Yet participation has been uneven in recent years, with some players citing personal or religious reasons for opting out.
Players speaking up is a rare occasion, although former French international Antoine Griezmann said six years ago: "If a gay player wants to come out, he might not have all the France players with him, but he will have me."
Nice full back Jonathan Clauss said last week he was pessimistic about the fight against homophobia.
"I think it's a never-ending fight, because there will never be 100% of people who agree (with the fight against homophobia). And the very fact that there's a debate is a problem," he said.
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
Players like Nemanja Matic and Ahmed Hassan concealed the anti-homophobia insignia, while Mostafa Mohamed withdrew from his match, citing personal convictions. Additionally, Jonathan Gradit directed a homophobic insult during a game.
Marie Barsacq called for decisive action against homophobic behavior in football, stating that such insults are no longer acceptable and that sanctions must be applied.
Some players cited personal or religious reasons for their refusal to participate, highlighting a lack of uniformity in support for the initiative.
Jonathan Clauss expressed pessimism about the fight against homophobia, stating that it is a never-ending struggle and that there will never be complete agreement on the issue.
Ligue 1 had planned for players to wear rainbow-colored symbols and display messages in stadiums as part of its annual awareness drive against homophobia.
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