Muslim footballer Mohamed Kamara was suspended for four matches after covering a pro-gay patch on his uniform with tape.
Kamara is from Mali and plays in France’s top football league, Ligue 1. His club, AS Monaco, are one of the most consistently performing teams in Europe and currently sit second in the league standings at the time of writing.
The patch states:Homophobic footballKamara covered a banner that read “red line against homophobia” with white tape, and also refused to stand in front of an anti-homophobia banner before games for religious reasons.
Kamara played for Austria for five years before moving to the French giants, but his status did not allow him to avoid a four-match suspension from the team for refusing to take part in the initiative.
The French football governing body, the Ligue Proficiency (FLP), issued a statement saying: “Having heard Mohamed Kamara and given that he refused to take one or more actions during the meeting to raise awareness of the fight against homophobia, the committee has decided to impose a four-match suspension on him.”
“I believe this type of behaviour should be subject to the strongest sanctions against players and clubs.”
Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro said the team supported the league’s pro-gay campaign and would hold talks with the Malian player.
“This was a personal initiative by Mo Kamara. We will have this discussion with Mo internally. We will discuss the situation internally,” Scuro said. Daily Mail.
Governments have also questioned the players’ convictions, with France’s Sports Minister Amélie Oudea Castella saying both Camara and Monaco should be punished.
“This is unacceptable behaviour,” she was quoted as telling the radio station. “I have had the opportunity to express my views on this matter to the professional league and I believe this type of behaviour should be subject to the strongest sanctions against the players and the clubs who allow it.”
Reports say Out kickThe French Football League launched the initiative on May 17, 2024, with the declaration: “Let’s eliminate discrimination and homophobia!”
“The LFP continues its massive anti-discrimination campaign with a new section dedicated to fighting homophobia. Seven weeks after extraordinary mobilizations took place on a day dedicated to fighting racism, French professional football is mobilizing to fight homophobia in a totally unprecedented way in all stadiums of Uber Eats in Ligue 1 and BKT in Ligue 2,” the league said.
Kamala received support from her home country. Mali Football FederationHe said he supports freedom of speech.
Monaco won the match against Nantes 4-0 thanks to a penalty kick from Camara.
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