A Paris Saint Germain footballer, Idrissa Gueye, was absent from the team’s previous game after refusing to wear a rainbow-colored shirt that symbolizes LGBT acceptance.
As part of an initiative for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia on May 17, all Ligue 1 games last weekend featured the flag on players’ jersey numbers and captains’ armbands.
“On World Day Against Homophobia, our jerseys will have the rainbow flag, symbol of peace and diversity of the LGBT movement,” according to a statement.
Idrissa Gueye, a Senegalese international midfielder, reportedly did not play in his team’s 4-0 win over Montpellier on Saturday because he did not want to wear a shirt with his number in rainbow colors. The rainbow jerseys indicate support of the LGBTQ movement.
Gueye’s absence sparked speculation that he had missed the match because he refused to wear the LGBTQ+ community’s symbol, the rainbow flag.
📍👀 A look into the Parisian locker room at the Stade de la Mosson! ⤵️
#MHSCPSG pic.twitter.com/27mpZqP2RV
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 14, 2022
He said, “This goes against my religion. I do not support such act like that. Other can wear but me I can’t.”
His denial was attributed to his “Religious Conviction,” according to the media.
Gueye, a former Everton midfielder, travelled with PSG but was not included on the team sheet, with Pochettino later admitting the player’s absence “had to leave the team sheet for personal reasons. But he isn’t injured”.
Campaigners have demanded that his actions not go unpunished, and that action be taken against him.
Meanwhile, Gueye has received messages of support on social media and from prominent individuals in politics, the arts, and sports.
We are all with you, Idrissa ❤️@IGanaGueye #WeareallIdrissa pic.twitter.com/IjrDEPbUUA
— Mahmoud Diaa (@MahmoudDiaaaa) May 18, 2022
President Macky Sall of Senegal tweeted on Tuesday his support for Paris Saint-Germain footballer Idrissa Gana Gueye, who is accused of homophobia in France. He expressed himself on Twitter,”I support Idrissa Gana Gueye. His religious beliefs must be respected.”
In Senegal, Idrissa and his teammates are respected. In February, he was a member of the team that won the country’s first African Cup of Nations against Egypt.
Homosexuality is largely considered a deviation in Senegal, since 95 percent of the population is Muslim. Between members of the same sex, “acts against nature” are punishable by one to five years in prison.
