Monaco midfielder Mohamed Camara has been handed a four-game suspension by the French league after he covered up an anti-homophobia message on his team’s shirt during their final league game of the season. The league’s disciplinary committee announced the sanction late Thursday, May 30, stating that the Mali international refused to participate in actions aimed at raising awareness about the fight against homophobia.
During Monaco’s 4-0 victory over Nantes, the French league held its annual campaign against discrimination. Each team wore a badge featuring the word “homophobia” crossed out. Camara taped over the badge and opted out of the pre-match group photo, which displayed a banner with the same message.
French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra condemned Camara’s actions, labeling them “unacceptable” and called for “firm sanctions” against both the player and the club. Monaco coach Adi Hütter stated that while the club supports the league’s initiative, Camara’s actions were “a personal choice.”
This incident marks the fourth consecutive season in which professional French clubs have been invited to wear rainbow-colored numbers, armbands, or patches to support the LGBTQ movement. Each year, similar controversies have emerged.
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In 2022, Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who was playing for Paris Saint-Germain at the time, refused to participate in a match requiring players to wear shirts with rainbow-colored numbers. Senegal’s President Macky Sall publicly supported Gueye, asserting that “his religious convictions must be respected.”
Last year, Nantes fined Egyptian striker Mostafa Mohamed for not participating in the anti-homophobia campaign. Mohamed again did not play in Sunday’s game, and Camara also sat out during the same event last season.
The French league continues to promote inclusivity and awareness through its annual campaigns, though they frequently face pushback from some players based on personal or religious beliefs. The disciplinary committee’s decision to suspend Camara underscores the league’s commitment to its anti-discrimination efforts.
