Ligue 1 Anti-Homophobia Campaign Faces Player Boycotts, Slur Controversy

Ligue 1's annual campaign against homophobia faced significant backlash as some players refused to participate, covering up the anti-homophobia symbols on their shirts or opting out of matches altogether due to personal beliefs. Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Nemanja Matic and Le Havre's Ahmed Hassan concealed the campaign logos, while Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed withdrew from a crucial match. Additionally, Lens defender Jonathan Gradit was reported to have used a homophobic slur during halftime, further intensifying the controversy. France's sports minister, Marie Barsacq, condemned the behavior and urged the French Football Federation to enforce sanctions, emphasizing the need for football's language and culture to evolve. The campaign, now in its fifth year, aims to promote inclusion with rainbow symbols and banners, but participation has been uneven, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing homophobia within the sport. The incidents reveal deep divisions in French football regarding acceptance and the fight against discrimination.