The French government this Monday defended sanctions against French league players who refused to play the colors of the rainbow on their jerseys on the last day, citing a campaign against homophobia and in favor of equality.
“The purpose of the campaign was to send a simple message against discrimination, which is very important for a country like France that protects and promotes human rights. Therefore, players who refuse to do so should be punished,” said the French sports minister. Amelie Oudea-Castera in an interview with France3.
Last weekend, as part of a campaign organized by the French League, players from Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, the two professional leagues, played with rainbow jersey numbers.
However, players such as Donatien Gomis, the Senegalese centre-back of Guingamp, and Mostafa Mohamed, the Egyptian striker of Nantes, refused to wear these jerseys and therefore missed their teams’ matches.
According to the Gallic press, the same thing happened to five Toulouse players against Nantes.
“Clubs need to educate their players and work better with their players so that they understand the importance of this type of campaign,” Udea-Castera added.
However, the French Union of Professional Football Players (UNFP) recalled that the vast majority of players supported the campaign and said sanctions for such an attitude are a “form of intimidation”.
“If the fight against homophobia is important, then it is also important to end bullying in French professional football,” UNFP said.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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