Matic Draws Criticism After Covering Pride Logo During Ligue 1's Anti-Homophobia Campaign

Ligue 1’s annual stand against homophobia saw broad support across French football this weekend — but not from everyone. Among those who distanced themselves from the initiative was Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic, who covered the rainbow-colored league logo on his jersey with white tape.

The gesture took place during Lyon’s 2-0 win over Angers on Saturday, a match that secured European qualification for the club. Matic, a former Serbian international and ex-player for Manchester United, Chelsea, and Roma, entered the match in the 69th minute and later shared a post-game photo alongside Alexandre Lacazette. The image, which clearly showed the taped-over logo, quickly drew attention online.

Matic’s actions mirrored those of other players who have opted out of participating in Ligue 1’s efforts to fight homophobia, an issue that continues to plague French football. This season, the league recorded numerous discriminatory incidents, including homophobic chants and offensive banners. In response, disciplinary actions have included 107 fines amounting to €229,000 ($255,000), and multiple stadium or stand closures.

The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny, especially after Monaco’s Mohamed Camara received a four-match suspension for covering the same rainbow badge during his team’s final match of the 2023/24 season. Camara had obscured both the campaign logo on his chest and the sleeve badge, prompting the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) to sanction him for refusing “to carry out one or more actions to raise awareness of the fight against homophobia.”

Lyon’s Matic may now face similar disciplinary measures. While the league has not yet commented on any potential action, his decision to visibly opt out of the campaign has added to the wider debate over personal beliefs and social responsibility in sport.

Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed also continued his stance of non-participation in the anti-homophobia initiative. Absent from Nantes’ squad for their 3-0 win over Montpellier on Saturday, Mohamed has not taken part in any matches that coincide with the league’s awareness campaigns since joining the club in 2022.

In a previously released statement explaining his position, Mohamed said:

"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."

_{Featured Image Credit: X / @NemanjaMatic, ligue1.com}