French Government Considers Video Surveillance to Address Homophobia in Soccer

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has proposed using algorithmic video surveillance to combat homophobic chants in football stadiums, following unacceptable incidents involving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans. This technology, currently experimental, aims to analyze crowd behavior but does not include facial recognition. Retailleau's comments sparked a rift with Sports Minister Gil Avérous, who advocates for halting matches in response to homophobic chants, contradicting Retailleau's stance that such actions are 'very complicated'. PSG, facing criticism for fans' chants directed at rival Olympique Marseille, reaffirmed its commitment to fighting discrimination, while the league is investigating the incident. Despite existing laws against public homophobic insults, enforcement has been challenging, with authorities struggling to eradicate such behavior from matches. The Ligue de Football Professionnel has condemned the chants and is working with government officials to implement stricter measures to prevent future occurrences.