France’s interior minister has expressed a desire for soccer matches to be stopped if fans engage in homophobic chants.
During an interview on France Inter Radio on Thursday, Bruno Retailleau revealed that authorities have pinpointed two individuals believed to be instigators of such chants among Paris Saint-Germain fans in a recent home game against Strasbourg.
“They should face severe consequences,” Retailleau declared. “This behavior is intolerable. We can no longer accept homophobic chanting. I refuse to tolerate it any longer.”
Homophobic chants have long been an issue at Ligue 1 games, with club leaders and soccer governing bodies struggling to effectively address the matter.
Five years ago, following a match between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille, which was marred by such insults from home supporters, the league implemented an action plan enabling fans to report any incidents of sexism, homophobia, or racism.
Unfortunately, these offensive behaviors continue to persist.
This Sunday, PSG is set to face their fierce opponents, Marseille, and the most recent derogatory comments were aimed at Marseille and player Adrien Rabiot, a former PSG athlete who had over 200 appearances for the club from 2012 to 2019. His transfer to Marseille is perceived as a betrayal by PSG fans.
In light of the recent abuse, PSG has publicly condemned the behavior, reinforcing their determination to combat all types of discrimination, especially homophobia.
French clubs have faced penalties in the form of fines, and the league’s disciplinary committee has previously mandated the closure of stands due to similar incidents.
Additionally, under French law, individuals can face up to a year of imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros ($47,600) for public anti-gay insults.
Last season, several PSG players received a one-match suspended sentence imposed by the league’s disciplinary body for offensive chants directed at Marseille following a home game.
Players Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Randal Kolo Muani, and Layvin Kurzawa were recorded using derogatory language while celebrating after a 4-0 victory against Marseille. All four players later issued apologies.
This particular match also featured homophobic chanting from some PSG supporters aimed at Marseille’s players. Consequently, the league mandated the closure of the Auteuil stand for two matches, one of which was postponed.
For safety reasons, PSG fans are prohibited from attending the upcoming game against Marseille at Stade Velodrome, given the ongoing history of conflicts between opposing fan bases.