<p>Paris: What was meant to be a weekend of solidarity against homophobia in Ligue 1 descended into controversy and embarrassment for French <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/football">football</a>, as players refused to wear campaign symbols, one striker boycotted his team's match, and a homophobic slur was heard in a stadium tunnel.</p><p>Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Nemanja Matic and Le Havre's Ahmed Hassan concealed the French league's anti-homophobia insignia during Saturday's fixtures.</p><p>Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed withdrew from his side's match against Montpellier, citing personal convictions — the third time the Egyptian international has opted out of the initiative.</p><p>Meanwhile, Lens defender Jonathan Gradit was heard directing a homophobic insult at halftime in the tunnel during their game against Monaco.</p><p>The string of incidents prompted France's new sports minister, Marie Barsacq, to issue a pointed statement on Sunday, calling for decisive action.</p>.No doubt about Messi's visit to Kerala later this year, says sports minister.<p>"Football has a massive platform, and the (French Football) Federation is determined to put this issue on the clubs' and supporters' agenda," Barsacq said.</p><p>"Homophobic insults and behaviour are no longer acceptable. Society has evolved, and the language in football must change with it. There's a full range of sanctions available, and they must be applied."</p><p>Ligue 1 had planned for players to wear rainbow-coloured symbols on shirts or armbands and display messages in stadiums as part of its annual awareness drive.</p><p>Yet participation has been uneven in recent years, with some players citing personal or religious reasons for opting out.</p><p>Players speaking up is a rare occasion, although former French international Antoine Griezmann said six years ago: "If a gay player wants to come out, he might not have all the France players with him, but he will have me."</p><p>Nice full back Jonathan Clauss said last week he was pessimistic about the fight against homophobia.</p><p>"I think it's a never-ending fight, because there will never be 100% of people who agree </p>
<p>Paris: What was meant to be a weekend of solidarity against homophobia in Ligue 1 descended into controversy and embarrassment for French <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/football">football</a>, as players refused to wear campaign symbols, one striker boycotted his team's match, and a homophobic slur was heard in a stadium tunnel.</p><p>Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Nemanja Matic and Le Havre's Ahmed Hassan concealed the French league's anti-homophobia insignia during Saturday's fixtures.</p><p>Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed withdrew from his side's match against Montpellier, citing personal convictions — the third time the Egyptian international has opted out of the initiative.</p><p>Meanwhile, Lens defender Jonathan Gradit was heard directing a homophobic insult at halftime in the tunnel during their game against Monaco.</p><p>The string of incidents prompted France's new sports minister, Marie Barsacq, to issue a pointed statement on Sunday, calling for decisive action.</p>.No doubt about Messi's visit to Kerala later this year, says sports minister.<p>"Football has a massive platform, and the (French Football) Federation is determined to put this issue on the clubs' and supporters' agenda," Barsacq said.</p><p>"Homophobic insults and behaviour are no longer acceptable. Society has evolved, and the language in football must change with it. There's a full range of sanctions available, and they must be applied."</p><p>Ligue 1 had planned for players to wear rainbow-coloured symbols on shirts or armbands and display messages in stadiums as part of its annual awareness drive.</p><p>Yet participation has been uneven in recent years, with some players citing personal or religious reasons for opting out.</p><p>Players speaking up is a rare occasion, although former French international Antoine Griezmann said six years ago: "If a gay player wants to come out, he might not have all the France players with him, but he will have me."</p><p>Nice full back Jonathan Clauss said last week he was pessimistic about the fight against homophobia.</p><p>"I think it's a never-ending fight, because there will never be 100% of people who agree </p>