Nantes' Mohamed opts out of Ligue 1 anti-homophobia campaign, cites personal beliefs
Nantes' Egypt international, Mostafa Mohamed, announced he would not participate in his club's final Ligue 1 fixture on Saturday, opting out of a league-wide anti-homophobia initiative. The 27-year-old striker, who also skipped the campaign last season, cited personal beliefs tied to his faith and origins for the decision.
Nantes' Egypt international Mostafa Mohamed said he would not take part in his club's final Ligue 1 fixture on Saturday, citing personal beliefs for his decision to opt out of a league-wide anti-homophobia initiative.
French clubs are set to mark the annual campaign by having players wear rainbow-coloured armbands during matches this weekend.
Mohamed, 27, said that he respected others' choices but that participating would conflict with his personal convictions.
"I'm not comfortable speaking in public, but today I feel the need to clarify my decision, without seeking to provoke debate," Mohamed said in a statement on social media.
"Everyone carries their own story, culture and sensitivity. Living together also means recognising that diversity can be expressed differently depending on the person.
"I believe in mutual respect – the respect we owe others, but also the respect we owe to ourselves and our beliefs. For me, there are deep-rooted values linked to my background and my beliefs that make my participation in this initiative difficult," he added.
Mohamed also declined to take part in the campaign last season for similar reasons.
(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)
Read more on FRANCE 24 EnglishRead also:'Guéhi defies FA': Crystal Palace captain writes own message on rainbow armbandAmazon Prime under fire for homophobic chants broadcast during PSG match
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