Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gueye, of Paris Saint-Germain, is being questioned by the French Football Federation regarding his absence from the recent Ligue 1 match against Montpellier. An insider informed the Associated Press that Gueye did not play because he did not want to wear a shirt with rainbow colors in support of LGBT rights. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity as Gueye has not publicly commented on the incident.
The Ethics Council of the French Federation sent a message to Gueye, which was obtained by the Associated Press on Wednesday, urging him to clarify the reason for his absence in the Saturday match. The council stated that if the reports are inaccurate, the Senegalese international may share a photo of himself wearing the jersey in question.
Patrick Anton, the head of the council, wrote: "Your absence has led to much speculation interpreted widely as a refusal to participate in this initiative to raise awareness against discrimination.” Gueye traveled with his teammates to Montpellier for the match, but PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino cited "personal reasons" for his absence from the field.
Anton tweeted to Gueye after the match: "Either these assumptions are unfounded, in which case we ask you to express yourself without delay to stop these rumors," and he added, "We invite you, for example, to attach a message with a photo of you wearing the shirt in question."
The issue quickly became political in both Senegal and France, and after criticism directed at Gueye, the Senegalese president tweeted his support for the player, stating: "I support Idrissa... his religious beliefs must be respected." Former Senegalese Prime Minister Abdoulaye Mbaye also backed Gueye, saying: "The Paris Saint-Germain player is not anti-LGBT. He does not want his image used to promote homosexuality. Leave him alone."
Homosexual acts are criminalized in Senegal, with penalties reaching up to five years in prison. The 32-year-old midfielder regularly shares messages about his religious beliefs on his social media platforms.
Source: "AP"
