Denial Idrissa Gueye wearing the Paris Saint-Germain costume (PSG) with the rainbow flag pattern against the long-tailed Montpellier.
PSG was urged by a number of parties to give a penalty for Gueye. The midfielder from Senegal reportedly refused to play during PSG’s match against Montpellier because he was reluctant to wear a costume with a rainbow-colored number.
All French League clubs last week wore the jersey numbers with the colors of the rainbow flag as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community as part of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia campaign which falls on May 17.
Gueye, who is a Muslim, reportedly refused to wear the costume because it was against his religious teachings. But Gueye’s refusal received a negative response.
French politician Valerie Pecresse has asked PSG to punish Gueye for refusing a campaign to support the LGBTQ+ community.
“The players of a football club, and the players of PSG in particular, are identity figures for our younger generation. They have an obligation to set an example. Idrissa Gueye’s refusal to join the fight against homophobia cannot be left without sanctions,” Pecresse was quoted as saying. from Le Figaro.
PSG’s call to punish Gueye also came from Rouge Direct, an organization in France that opposes homophobia in sport. They urged PSG and the French Professional League (LFP) to punish Gueye.
“Homophobia is not an opinion, but a crime. LGP and PSG must urge Gueye to give a statement as soon as possible, punishing if necessary,” wrote the Rogue Direct.
Meanwhile, the President of the Sports LGBT+ Federation, Eric Arassus, said: “Idrissa Gueye is a great player, but religion is not part of the sport. Every player takes part [memakasi kostum pelangi], except for him. He should be punished. Gueye’s reasons show PSG and LFP allowing homophobia to occur.”
Previously, PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Gueye was absent against Montpellier not because of injury, but for personal reasons.
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