Anti-homophobia initiative turns sour in French football with player no-show, slur
PARIS, May 19 (Reuters) - What was meant to be a weekend of solidarity against homophobia in Ligue 1 descended into controversy and embarrassment for French football, as players refused to wear campaign symbols, one striker boycotted his team's match, and a homophobic slur was heard in a stadium tunnel.
Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Nemanja Matic and Le Havre's Ahmed Hassan concealed the French league's anti-homophobia insignia during Saturday's fixtures.
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.
Meanwhile, Lens defender Jonathan Gradit was heard directing a homophobic insult at halftime in the tunnel during their game against Monaco.
The string of incidents prompted France's new sports minister, Marie Barsacq, to issue a pointed statement on Sunday, calling for decisive action.
"Football has a massive platform, and the (French Football) Federation is determined to put this issue on the clubs' and supporters' agenda," Barsacq said.
"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."
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.
Yet participation has been uneven in recent years, with some players citing personal or religious reasons for opting out.
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."
Nice full back Jonathan Clauss said last week he was pessimistic about the fight against homophobia.
"I think it's a never-ending fight, because there will never be 100% of people who agree (with the fight against homophobia). And the very fact that there's a debate is a problem," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
34 minutes ago
- The Independent
Wednesday's briefing: England booed off while Man City sign Cherki
England were booed off after a surprise 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal at the City Ground. The Republic of Ireland were grateful for goalkeeper Max O'Leary in a goalless draw at Luxembourg, while 10-man Northern Ireland claimed a 1-0 win over Iceland. Manchester City had another busy day in the transfer window while Tottenham are inching closer to an agreement with Brentford in their bid to appoint Thomas Frank as head coach. Thomas Tuchel's honeymoon period as England manager is over as boos greeted Tuesday's shock 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal. Three days after being jeered following a poor World Cup qualification win against minnows Andorra, the latest alarming display raised further questions a year out from their bid for glory in North America. Goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra and Cheikh Sabaly inflicted England's first defeat to an African nation following captain Harry Kane's early opener. Kane told ITV: 'Again, not really good enough. We're not going to panic. But for sure we know we need to do better.' Max efforts rescue Republic Max O'Leary marked his long-awaited senior international debut with two vital saves to spare the Republic of Ireland's blushes in Luxembourg. The 28-year-old Bristol City keeper, who was first called up six years ago, denied Danel Sinani and substitute Vincent Thill either side of half-time to ensure Ireland emerged with a 0-0 friendly draw. 'You always use these games to get answers to questions,' Republic head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said. 'We got some answers – maybe more negative answers than positive from this.' Price makes Iceland pay Isaac Price made the difference at both ends of the pitch as 10-man Northern Ireland clung on for a 1-0 friendly win over Iceland in their final match before the World Cup qualifying campaign. Price lit up a drab first half to put Michael O'Neill's side ahead, but then had to head off his own line as it turned into a defensive scrap after Brodie Spencer was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity. 'I don't think there's too many players come in and play international football and adapt to it as quickly as Isaac has,' O'Neill said. 'He has that ability just to do something a little bit different, a little bit special.' City get Cherki deal Manchester City have completed the signing of France midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon for an initial fee of 36million euros (£30.5m). The 21-year-old, who has signed a contract with City until 2030, moves after an impressive season with Lyon in which he scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists in 40 appearances. 'This is a dream for me,' said Cherki after becoming City's second signing of the day following goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli. 'I have worked so hard for this all my life. 'I would only leave Lyon for a project I really believe in and everything at City suggests I can develop my game and help the team be successful in the future.' Tottenham face more Frank talks with Bees Tottenham are moving closer to reaching an agreement with Brentford over compensation to make Frank their new head coach but talks are entering a third day, the PA news agency understands. After positive initial talks over the weekend, Tottenham made an official approach to their Premier League rivals on Monday. Discussions continued into Tuesday and centred on Frank's contract at Brentford, which runs until the summer of 2027 and contains a release clause reported to be in the region of £10million. What's on today? The European Under-21 Championship gets under way with hosts Slovakia taking on runners-up from two years ago Spain in Bratislava. Defending champions England start their campaign on Thursday. Attention will also be focused on the outcome of Spurs' talks with Frank, after the early window for player movement closed on Tuesday.
Times
39 minutes ago
- Times
The fanciest sport hospitality packages
The game hasn't even begun and I am already one charcuterie board, a platter of prawns, a gallon of sushi, a beef wellington and several beers deep. My football-watching career has started on a high. It was a Chelsea game in the box — a gift for my brothers' 40th (not from me — I'm a good sister but not that good). I left thinking I could watch the beautiful game more often. 'What was the score?' someone asked. 'Who cares? I had a cheeseboard at half-time!' You can fine-dine at almost all sports, from darts to the FA Cup final. Here is a list of luxury dining experiences at the biggest and best upcoming sports events. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Now the Six Nations have been and gone, it's time to move on. Luckily for rugby fans, this year's Autumn Nations is ripe for booking. The series will see England battle it out with four of the most exhilarating southern hemisphere teams. It'll be a wild watch and there is no need to do it hungry — you know the players won't be. Fret not — if the burger vans don't tickle your finely tuned taste buds, the Allianz hospitality packages are here for you. 'Today's hospitality offerings go far beyond a simple meal and a seat. Guests are choosing packages based on the culinary style, the exclusivity of the setting, and the opportunity to engage with sporting legends, both past and present,' says Laura Jefferies, head of marketing at Twickenham Experience. The chef Tom Kerridge (who owns the only pub with two Michelin stars) will be cooking in the Lock restaurant during the Australia, New Zealand and Argentina games. Expect free-flowing fizz and a four-course English-inspired menu. The chef Ollie Dabbous — who has two Michelin stars — can be found creating culinary excellence for the Australia game in the East Wing restaurant. You'll be dining all day, from arrival appetisers to amuse-bouches to a four-course menu — with complimentary drinks. The same package will be available with the chef Tommy Banks — a judge on BBC's The Great British Menu — subbing in to steer the East Wing helm during the New Zealand game. 'On a single match day up to 45,000 plates of food are served within hospitality, with a team of 300 chefs across 41 kitchens and 2,250 hospitality staff, who each undergo training, to ensure the highest standards across every facility,' Jefferies says. Autumn Nations at Allianz Stadium is November 1-November 23. More information at and • Read more luxury reviews, advice and insights from our experts You could find yourself easily distracted at the races. If you don't have blinkered focus on the horses, your eyes may wander to the outfits and your nose may lead you to the food. Royal Ascot does not hold back when it comes to treating guests to gourmet cuisine — there are 29 Michelin stars shared between the chefs in residence — 'the most ever at Royal Ascot, or any sporting event globally,' according to Jonathan Parker, the managing director of 1711 by Ascot. Among the runners and riders are Raymond Blanc, who will mark his ten-year residency anniversary at Ascot, returning to the Panoramic Restaurant (which, as promised, serves its four courses overlooking panoramic views of the racecourse). Gazing at the horses in the parade ring is best done at the Parade Ring restaurant, where Simon Rogan will be presenting his five-course à la carte lunch. Lisa Goodwin-Allen, the Michelin-starred chef and winner of Great British Menu, returns for her second year at Royal Ascot, headlining the Queen Anne Enclosure's flagship restaurant, ON 5, which sits on the fifth floor and is glass-fronted to create the ideal view of the course. If you have been there, done that — you will likely want to do it again. But if you want to try the newbies on the Ascot block, the French chef Yannick Alléno is doing an alfresco pop-up with a small-plate concept that — given his 17 Michelin stars — is bound to be scrumptious. Likewise, Benoit Blin, the patisserie king, is also making his debut with a French-inspired afternoon tea — available in multiple restaurants and private boxes, everywhere short of the horses' stables. Royal Ascot runs June 17-21. These offerings are available for all guests but need to be booked well in advance; Test cricket may be as English as it gets. Free-flowing Pimm's, polite chitchat in the stands, intermittent sun bouncing off the players' whites. All in all, you're in for a lovely summer's day. Given that the match can last five days, it is more than justified to be entertained by other activities alongside the play. And what better activity is there than eating? 'At the Kia Oval our aim is to match the calibre of the cricket on the pitch with the fine dining we provide to the spectators,' says the director of operations, Alex Lewis. There is a myriad of casual-dining options spread all over the Oval grounds, including the fancy food truck Bob's Lobster serving lobster rolls at the Pommery Champagne bar on the concourse right next to the pavilion. But those seeking the classiest escapades will head to the Duchy Suite. The days starts here with a three-course gourmet lunch curated by the fabulous chef Ollie Dabbous. There's also a Pommery champagne reception, a brilliantly quirky afternoon tea — including Cacklebean egg mayo and cress sandwiches and canales cooked in beeswax — free-flowing complimentary drinks and, of course, padded seats on the Laker Balcony so you can plonk your well-fed self comfortably down as you buckle in for the long match head. Next chance to nab all that is the England v India Test, July 31-August 4. The Duchy Suite is £1,299 + VAT; The smell of burning rubber and highly tuned engines as the mighty cars go hell for leather up the track need not fill your nostrils at these races. Instead, your noses (and taste buds) can be redirected to the equally impressive food. With many hospitality packages to choose from, you could opt for a Lawn Garden party, the award-winning sustainable restaurant Farmer, Butcher, Chef, or the exclusive member-only clubhouse, the Kennels. For trackside viewing with gourmet dining, you have a few options. The Moss restaurant, named after Sir Stirling Moss — who not only had his first race at Goodwood but also won here more than any other driver — overlooks the starting straight. Clark is positioned on the famously dramatic Molecomb Corner with views of the hill climb from both inside the restaurant and the trackside balcony. And last but not least there is Goodwood's fine-dining experience at Surtees — named in honour of the only person to win world championships on both two and four wheels, John Surtees. Not only are the views of the action unparalleled, but the Michelin-starred chef Ollie Dabbous (who I'd hazard a guess at being a sports fan) will be preparing cuisine to match. The Surtees package includes unlimited drinks, a live DJ, VIP parking as well as a personalised concierge service. 'Whether it's a private paddock tour, a helicopter flight or photo moment on the balcony of Goodwood House, Surtees is the ultimate way to experience the Festival of Speed,' says Amy Yeates, the hospitality director at Goodwood. Goodwood Festival of Speed is July 10-13. The Surtees package is £2,100pp +VAT; Dating back to 1860, The Open is the oldest golf tournament in the world. It is also one of the most popular — so much so that tickets sell out almost instantly. Those for 2025 are sadly long gone. As are the hospitality packages, which included the silver-service fine-dining Engravers package — including breakfast, four-course à la carte lunch, complimentary bar and afternoon tea. Next year will approach in the blink of an eye — so it is best to start getting ahead of the game. The equivalent option on the 2026 line-up at Royal Birkdale would be the premium package. Although not silver-service, the experience holds its own. Guests get access to many wonderful restaurants — including Clarets, where you can dine on gourmet cuisine while looking out over the 17th green. The Retreat serves a charcuterie-style lunch overlooking the 7th green. Complimentary beverages will be served to guests in Clarets, the Retreat, the Platinum Lounge and Links, which all have top-class views of the top-class golf. The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale is July 12-19, 2026. Prices for the signature package start at £1,000 per person for the weekdays and £2,300 for the weekends; It wouldn't be the British summer time without Wimbledon. Dating back to 1868, this sporting spectacle is the oldest tennis tournament in existence. There is only one thing I can think of to improve this classic English event — fancy food. It's not all strawberries and cream. Whilst the talented players serve on the pitch, the equally talented chefs are serving off the court. For the snazziest of service, you are looking at Le Gavroche at The Lawn. Michelin star mastermind, Michel Roux, will be offering a five-course tasting Menu Exceptionnel with wine pairings, followed by the famous Le Gavroche Cheese Trolley and the Assiette du Chef (selection of five desserts). There will be a complimentary bar for continuous whistle wettening — whether it is with Vintage champagne or bespoke cocktails. Of course, that is just the beginning — this package includes seats with uninterrupted views of Centre Court, a private terrace and access to The Lawn's English-style garden with live music, a whisky and cigar bar as well as a huge outdoor screen so you don't have to miss out on a single second of action while having fun.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Greta Thunberg news latest: Climate campaigner breaks silence after being deported by Israel over Gaza aid boat
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has arrived in France after being deported by Israel for attempting to break the country's 18-year naval blockade of Gaza. The 22-year-old activist told reporters in France that Israel had violated international waters by intercepting the Gaza-bound, UK-flagged Madleen that she and 11 other activists had sailed from Sicily to the Egyptian coast. 'I was very clear in my testimony that we were kidnapped on international waters and brought against our own will into Israel,' she said. She laughed off criticism from Donald Trump, who had described her as an angry person, saying: 'I think the world needs a lot more young angry women to be honest, especially with everything going on right now.' At least five of the 12 activists arrested on board the Madleen flotilla are expected to be deported on Tuesday, according to Israeli broadcaster Kan. The group were picked up off the coast of Egypt earlier on Monday morning and taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod, where they were detained. They had been attempting to take a symbolic amount of aid into Gaza. Greta Thunberg accuses Israel of war crimes Greta Thunberg has accused Israel of systematic war crimes against Palestinians Speaking to reporters after arriving in Paris, the activist said: 'The real story is that there is a genocide going on in Gaza and a systematic starvation following the siege and blockade now, which is leading to food, medicine, water that are desperately needed to get into Gaza is prevented from doing so. 'But of course there are many attempts like this mission both by sea and land to break that siege and open up a humanitarian corridor.' 'This is a continued violation of international law and war crimes that Israel is systematically committing against Palestinians by not letting aid come to starving people, and mass slaughtering in every possible way,' the 22-year-old Swede said. She added: 'We were 12 peaceful volunteers sailing on a civilian ship carrying humanitarian aid on international waters. We did not break laws. We did nothing wrong.' Jabed Ahmed11 June 2025 04:00 Israel commits 'extermination' in Gaza by killing in schools, UN experts say UN experts have said in a report that Israel committed the crime against humanity of "extermination" by killing civilians sheltering in schools and religious sites in Gaza, part of a "concerted campaign to obliterate Palestinian life." The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel was due to present the report to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council on 17 June. "We are seeing more and more indications that Israel is carrying out a concerted campaign to obliterate Palestinian life in Gaza," former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who chairs the commission, said in a statement. "Israel's targeting of the educational, cultural and religious life of the Palestinian people will harm the present generations and generations to come, hindering their right to self-determination," she added. The commission examined attacks on educational facilities and religious and cultural sites to assess whether international law was breached. Israel disengaged from the Human Rights Council in February, alleging it was biased. Its diplomatic mission said on Thursday that the commission's latest report was an "attempt to promote its fictitious narrative of the Gaza war", and proved that its members "care more about bashing Israel than protecting the people of Gaza." In its report, the commission said Israel had destroyed more than 90% of school and university buildings and more than half of all religious and cultural sites in Gaza. Jabed Ahmed11 June 2025 03:00 How many times have sailors tried to break Israel's naval blockade on Gaza? There have been at least eleven occasions when Israel has intercepted activists or pro-Palestinian militants attempting to break its blockade on Gaza, we can report. Israel's blockade on Gaza has been in place since late 2007. The most significant incident happened in May 2010, when a six-boat flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli navy around 90 miles from Gaza. Nine people were killed after Israeli commandos opened fire on activists, having boarded the flagship vessel, the Mavi Marmara, Israel claims the activists began attacking the soldiers first. Neither account has been confirmed. There were additional, major attempts by activists in July 2011, June 2015 and August 2018. The vessels were all boarded without incident by Israeli forces. Like the Madleen, several were taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod. Several smaller efforts were also intercepted by Israel, largely in the two years between 2009 and 2011. In March 2011, the Israelis intercepted a freighter called the Victoria in the Mediterranean with 50 tonnes of concealed weapons allegedly bound for Gaza. Last month, two drones hit another vessel destined for Gaza while it was off the coast of Malta. It was run by the same organisation that manages the Madleen, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The FFC claimed those drones were Israeli. Israel declined to comment. Jabed Ahmed11 June 2025 01:57 Who was on board the Madleen? There were a dozen activists aboard the Gaza-bound Madleen when it was intercepted by Israeli forces off the coast of Egypt on Monday morning. Below is a list of the 12 people: Greta Thunberg, a Swedish climate and social justice activist Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament representing France's far-left La France Insoumise party Omar Faiad, a French journalist with Al Jazeera who is covering the trip Yanis Mhamdi, a journalist at the French independent media outlet, Blast, also there to report on the trip Pascal Maurieras, a French activist and experienced flotilla participant Thiago Avila, a Brazilian journalist, social activist and politician who has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause for almost two decades Baptiste Andre, a French physician who is expected to assist passengers or demonstrators injured in possible confrontations with Israeli forces Yasemin Acar, a German activist of Kurdish descent and part of the FCC's steering committee Reva Viard, a climate activist from France Suayb Ordu, a Turkish activist Sergio Toribio, a crew member from Spain and a member of the marine conservation NGO, Sea Shepherd Marco Van Rennes, a Dutch marine engineering student and crew member Tom Watling11 June 2025 00:58 Yemen missile launched toward Israel 'most likely' intercepted, military says The Israeli military said on Tuesday that a missile launched from Yemen toward Israel had 'most likely' been intercepted, hours after Israel deployed its navy to hit targets in the Yemeni Red Sea port of Hodeidah. Israel threatened Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement – which has been attacking Israel in what it says is solidarity with Gaza – with a naval and air blockade if its attacks on Israel persist. 'Additional interceptors were launched due to the possibility of falling shrapnel from the interception,' the Israeli military said in a later statement after sirens sounded in several areas. Andy Gregory10 June 2025 23:58 Watch: Israeli government criticises Greta Thunberg 'selfie yacht' Andy Gregory10 June 2025 22:57 Activists 'shielded by their passports', says Freedom Flotilla Coalition The activists on board the flotilla acknowledge that 'by virtue of their passports', they are 'shielded from the daily brutality' endured by Palestinians, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has said. In a statement, the FCC said it 'acknowledges that by virtue of their passports of privilege, the Madleen 12 are shielded from the daily brutality and horrendous systemic torture Palestinians endure under Israeli occupation. 'According to Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, as of June 4, 2025, there are over 10,400 Palestinians held captive in Israeli dungeons. Of those, more than 400 are children and more than 3,500 are held without trial, charge, or minimal due process.' Andy Gregory10 June 2025 21:55 Thirty six people killed near aid sites in Gaza, health officials say Palestinians desperately trying to access aid in Gaza have come under fire again, with 36 people killed and 207 injured on Tuesday, the Palestinian health ministry said. Experts and humanitarian aid workers say Israel's blockade and 20-month military campaign have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine. At least 163 people have been killed and 1,495 wounded in a number of shootings near aid sites run by the new Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. In southern Gaza, at least eight people were killed while trying to obtain aid around Rafah, according to Nasser Hospital. In northern Gaza, two men and a child were killed and at least 130 were wounded on Tuesday, according to a spokesperson for the al-Awda Hospital, which received the casualties. They said most were being treated for gunshot wounds. Witnesses told The Associated Press that Israeli forces opened fire at around 2am local time, several hundred yards from the aid site in central Gaza. Crowds of Palestinians seeking desperately needed food often head to the sites hours before dawn, hoping to beat the crowds. The Israeli military said it fired warning shots at people it referred to as suspects. It said they had advanced toward its troops hundreds of yards from the aid site prior to its opening hours. UK will never accept forced displacement of Gazans, vows Foreign Office minister Sir Keir Starmer's government 'will never accept the unlawful transfer of Gazans from or within Gaza', a Foreign Office minister has vowed. Hamish Falconer told the Commons: 'The situation in the West Bank cannot be seen in isolation from events in Gaza – extremist rhetoric advocating forced displacement of Palestinians, denial of essential aid. 'The creation of new Israeli settlements in the Strip is equally appalling and dangerous. This government will never accept the unlawful transfer of Gazans from or within Gaza, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza strip. 'The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic in Gaza. While Israel's ground and air operations expand, Gazans have now been pushed into less than 20 per cent in the territory. 'Hospitals have been destroyed and damaged. The entire population of Gaza is now at risk of famine. Meanwhile, Israel's newly-introduced measures for aid endanger civilians and foster desperation – they are inhumane.' Andy Gregory10 June 2025 19:58 Greta Thunberg accuses Israel of war crimes Greta Thunberg has accused Israel of systematic war crimes against Palestinians Speaking to reporters after arriving in Paris, the activist said: 'The real story is that there is a genocide going on in Gaza and a systematic starvation following the siege and blockade now, which is leading to food, medicine, water that are desperately needed to get into Gaza is prevented from doing so. 'But of course there are many attempts like this mission both by sea and land to break that siege and open up a humanitarian corridor.' 'This is a continued violation of international law and war crimes that Israel is systematically committing against Palestinians by not letting aid come to starving people, and mass slaughtering in every possible way,' the 22-year-old Swede said.
