France’s sports minister has said Ligue 1 clubs should sanction players who have not taken part in a show of support against homophobia, although the players’ union said it was “astonished” that its members were invited to do so.
Amelie Oudea-Castera says players ‘have to show up’ on such matters.
But the National Union of Professional Footballers has said players should not have to deliver “collective messages”.
The problem led some Toulouse players to miss Sunday’s game in Nantes.
The players concerned “expressed their disagreement with the association of their image with the colors of the rainbow representing the LGBT movement”, the club said in a press release.
The gesture was in support of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on May 17.
Ligue 1 and 2 players wore rainbow numbers on their shirts and posed with banners ahead of weekend games, while coaches and officials wore rainbow armbands.
“I think it is the responsibility of the clubs to take sanctions,” said Oudéa-Castera. “During such an operation, which involves all the clubs on the fundamental theme of non-discrimination, you have to show yourself.”
Toulouse and Moroccan striker Zakaria Aboukhlal was among those who chose to miss the Nantes game, write on social networks: “Respect is a value that I hold in great esteem. It extends to others, but it also encompasses respect for my personal beliefs.
“Therefore, I don’t think I’m the most suitable person to take part in this campaign.”
Brest coach Eric Roy, whose side are just five points clear of the Ligue 1 relegation zone, said the campaign should not have been scheduled at a time when players fight to avoid falling.
“The lineup for this day against homophobia is abysmal,” he said.
“Everyone is free to express their opinions. Personally, I have no problem with that. But you can see that there are players who have a problem with that.”
Current Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye refused to play for Paris St-Germain when the gesture was made by Ligue 1 the same weekend last season.
