The decision was expected on Wednesday evening, after days of controversy and different positions taken, a dossier which was referred to the Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau. He did so after a disciplinary commission that lasted more than two hours: the Parc des Princes will see its <a href="https://time.news/psg-fireworks-speeches-and-lap-of-honor-images-of-the-ceremony-for-marquinhos-record/" title="PSG: fireworks, speeches and lap of honor… Images of the ceremony for Marquinhos' record”>Auteuil stand partially closed for a match after the homophobic chants chanted by some ultras during the match won against Strasbourg (4-2), the October 19.
This Professional Football League (LFP) minimum sanction will come into effect from November 5, meaning the Auteuil stand will be fully open for the Lens reception this Saturday. It should therefore be valid for the match on 22 November against Toulouse.
Against Strasbourg, a week before the OM-PSG Clasico (0-3), anti-Marseille songs were sung, which contained homophobic comments, and this for many minutes. The park announcer intervened twice to make them stop, in vain. The league’s disciplinary committee sanctioned PSG last year at the same time for similar acts, completely closing the stands for a final match and a suspended match.
In the press release published on Wednesday evening, the LFP does not justify its decision but does not fail to provoke a reaction from the associations fighting against homophobia, who are up in arms and somewhat helpless in the face of this phenomenon. “We continue to go in circles,” regretted Julien Pontes, spokesperson for the Rouge Direct collective in our columns this Wednesday morning.
On his social networks, Jean-Baptiste Montarnier, president of the Bleus et Fiers association and PSG season ticket holder, joked for the first time on Wednesday evening by qualifying “the LFP’s sanction as being worthy of its commitment in the fight against homophobia in football”, before recalling the existence of other chants of this type during OM or AS Saint-Étienne matches. The topic is therefore likely to generate a lot more ink in the coming days.
As indicated by The teamthe National Fan Authority will address part of it during its meeting this Thursday afternoon at the Ministry of Sport and Youth, whose directorship is now occupied by Gil Avérous. The latter asked in particular for the “very concrete” application of the “Fifa protocol as soon as a homophobic song appears”. A protocol that provides real-time measures ranging from the interruption of the match to its total shutdown.
A solution that Bruno Retailleau would not favor: “If there are homophobic chants,” he said, “the sports movement must assume its responsibilities, there must be a temporary interruption. Stopping matches is very complicated, it’s not the right solution. »
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Time.news Editor: Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re delving into a pressing issue that has stirred up considerable debate in the world of football: the recent disciplinary actions taken against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) due to homophobic chants during a match. Joining me is Dr. Clara Mitchell, a sociologist specializing in sports culture and social justice movements. Thank you for being here, Clara.
Dr. Clara Mitchell: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I’m glad to discuss it.
Editor: To set the stage, could you briefly summarize what happened at the Parc des Princes during the match against Strasbourg?
Dr. Mitchell: Certainly. During that game on October 19, a segment of PSG’s ultras reportedly chanted anti-Marseille songs that included homophobic remarks. Despite attempts by the park announcer to intervene, the chants continued for several minutes. As a consequence, the Professional Football League (LFP) has decided to partially close the Auteuil stand for an upcoming match. This decision follows a disciplinary commission’s review of the incident.
Editor: It’s a contentious issue, especially given that this isn’t the first instance of such behavior in the stands. Last season, PSG faced a complete closure of their stands for similar homophobic actions. Do you think the LFP’s current measures are sufficient?
Dr. Mitchell: That’s the crux of the matter. While the LFP’s decision to partially close the stand is a step toward accountability, many advocates believe it’s not a strong enough response to the ongoing problem of homophobia in football. The dissolved closure from last year suggests a lack of consistency and a serious need for more stringent consequences. Julien Pontes from the Rouge Direct collective expressed frustration with the LFP’s seeming inability to address this effectively, indicating that not much has changed over time.
Editor: That’s troubling to hear. You mentioned a lack of consistency. How does that impact perceptions of accountability in sports culture?
Dr. Mitchell: Inconsistent enforcement can undermine efforts to combat discrimination. When fans see that their actions are met with varying degrees of punishment, it creates a perception that such behavior is tolerated. It also sends mixed messages about the seriousness of homophobia within the sport. We need to look at establishing a clear and firm stance against these issues if we hope to promote a more inclusive environment in football.
Editor: Despite the challenges, are there any positive moves being made within football organizations to tackle this issue?
Dr. Mitchell: Yes, there are initiatives underway in several leagues to promote inclusivity and combat homophobia. Some clubs have launched campaigns and partnered with advocacy groups. However, these actions need to be accompanied by robust policy changes and active enforcement. The inclusion of education on diversity and tolerance for fans should also be prioritized to create a lasting cultural shift.
Editor: That’s a hopeful perspective. With the rise of social media, do you think fan engagement in these discussions has become more prominent?
Dr. Mitchell: Absolutely. Social media platforms have amplified the voices of those against homophobia, allowing for widespread discussions and mobilization. Movements that started online can quickly translate into real-world actions, pressuring organizations to change. This visibility can help to challenge outdated norms and assert that discrimination is unacceptable in any form.
Editor: As we reflect on what has transpired, what do you think the next steps should be for football authorities and clubs in addressing homophobia?
Dr. Mitchell: First and foremost, there needs to be consistent and transparent disciplinary measures. Engaging fans through educational programs focused on the harm caused by homophobic language and actions is crucial. Collaborating with LGBTQ+ organizations can provide valuable insights and foster a more understanding environment within the sport. Ultimately, a unified front from all stakeholders, including leagues, clubs, and fan groups, is essential for meaningful change.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mitchell, for sharing your insights on this important topic. It’s clear that while there’s still a long road ahead, the conversation around homophobia in sports is gaining momentum, and that’s a step in the right direction.
Dr. Mitchell: Thank you for having me. I’m hopeful that continued dialogue will lead to real change in the sport we love.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us today. Let’s continue to support efforts towards inclusivity in all areas of society. Until next time!