PSG-Lyon Match Halted Briefly Over Anti-Gay Chants: A Growing Problem in French Soccer
Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon took an unexpected turn when anti-gay chants from PSG fans forced a temporary stoppage in play. The incident, which occurred in the 53rd minute at the Parc des Princes, highlighted a troubling issue that continues to plague French soccer.
With PSG leading 2-1, referee Benoît Bastien made the decision to halt the game after the offensive chants were heard echoing through the stadium. In a moment of leadership, PSG captain Achraf Hakimi approached the Auteuil stand, where the chants originated, and pleaded with fans to stop. Shortly after, a message appeared on the stadium’s giant screens, warning fans of the potential consequences of their actions.
The message read: “The match could be stopped or even lost for the club.”
After a brief pause, play resumed, but the incident left a sour taste in the mouths of many. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated event. Anti-gay chants have become a recurring issue in Ligue 1, and French soccer authorities are struggling to find effective ways to address the problem.
A Persistent Problem in French Soccer
Sunday’s incident is just the latest in a string of similar occurrences. Earlier this year, France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau suggested that matches should be halted whenever anti-gay slurs are heard in stadiums. Despite this, the issue persists, with little progress being made to curb the behavior of certain fan groups.
Earlier this month, a French campaign group called for action after Marseille supporters allegedly chanted anti-gay slurs “with complete impunity” during a home game against Monaco. These incidents are not new, but they seem to be intensifying, raising questions about the effectiveness of current measures.
Efforts to Combat Discrimination
In 2019, following a match at the Parc des Princes between PSG and Marseille where home fans used anti-gay insults, the league introduced an action plan. This plan allowed spectators to report sexist, homophobic, or racist incidents they witnessed. However, despite these efforts, the abuse has not stopped.
French clubs have faced sanctions, including fines and stand closures, for similar incidents in recent years. Additionally, French law stipulates that anti-gay insults made in public can result in up to one year of imprisonment and a €45,000 ($47,600) fine. Yet, these penalties have not been enough to deter the behavior.
PSG Players Under Scrutiny
Even PSG players have found themselves at the center of controversy. Last season, several players, including Ousmane Dembélé, Hakimi, Randal Kolo Muani, and Layvin Kurzawa, received a one-match suspended sentence for offensive chants aimed at Marseille after a 4-0 home victory. The players were filmed using insults during their celebrations and later issued apologies.
That same match was also marred by anti-gay chanting from sections of PSG fans targeting Marseille players, further underscoring the deep-rooted nature of the issue.
What Needs to Change?
As French soccer continues to grapple with this problem, it’s clear that more needs to be done. Here are some potential steps that could help address the issue:
- Stronger enforcement of existing laws and penalties for discriminatory behavior.
- Increased education and awareness campaigns targeting fans and players alike.
- More frequent and decisive action from referees, including halting matches when necessary.
While these measures may not completely eradicate the problem, they could serve as a starting point for meaningful change. The question remains: how long will it take for French soccer to rid itself of this toxic behavior?
For now, incidents like Sunday’s match between PSG and Lyon serve as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done. As fans, players, and officials alike reflect on the events at the Parc des Princes, one can only hope that the message finally begins to sink in.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
