Nantes will fine player who refused to wear shirt against homophobia

Nantes announced on Monday that it will fine the Egyptian player Mostafa Mohamed, who on Sunday refused to play against Toulouse to avoid having to wear a shirt with the colors of the rainbow, in a campaign of the french football against homophobia.

“Mostafa Mohamed, Nantes striker, refused to be part of the game against Toulouse for personal reasons, at a time when Nantes are fighting to stay in the first division. .

In the text, Nantes does not inform the value of the fine that will be imposed on the player, but states that “the money will be destined to the SOS Homophobie association, which fights against homophobia every day and will know how to use it”.

The club “condemns with equal firmness the threats against Mostafa Mohamed and his family, both before the match and afterwards”, adds the statement, which does not give details about such threats.

Official press release from Football Club de Nantes.

— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) May 15, 2023

On the other hand, the striker, who scored eight goals this season, will not be suspended and will be able to play next Saturday against Montpellier.

In last weekend’s round, players from the first and second divisions of the French Championship wore rainbow-colored uniforms in the campaign “Homo or straight, we all wear the same shirt”.

The shirts will later be auctioned to raise funds to help organizations fighting homophobia.

But several players from Toulouse, Nantes and Guingamp (Ligue 2) refused to join the initiative.

Early this Monday, Mohamed, who is Muslim, explained his attitude on social networks: “I respect all differences. I respect all beliefs and all convictions. This respect for others also includes respect for my personal beliefs. For my roots, my culture, the importance of my convictions and beliefs, it was not possible for me to participate in this campaign. I hope that my decision is respected”, wrote the Egyptian player.