The match between Le Havre and Reims, at the Océane stadium, valid for the eleventh matchday of Ligue 1, was interrupted for a few minutes due to homophobic chants. The Norman fans, who were hosting Rémois, directed insults at the League. “The League, the League, we’ll fuck you”, they chanted just before the 60th minute.
Abdoulaye Touré, captain of Le Havre, immediately asked his Ultras to stop these insults. The referee, Hakim Ben El Hadj, stopped the match, while Christopher Opéri was waiting to take a free kick in favor of HAC. He then spoke to the match delegate and the fourth referee to discuss the match stoppage.
Finally the speaker made an announcement. He told supporters that “the next disruption” will be “permanent.” However, the chants could be heard again a few minutes later, without the referee deciding to stop the match. The Rémois eventually won 0-3 thanks to goals from Diakité, Nakamura and Ito. Le Havre have won just three points in eleven games and are second from bottom. Reims is 7th with 17 points.
Interview: Addressing Homophobia in Football
Time.news Editor in Conversation with Sports Sociologist Dr. Jean Dupont
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dupont. Let’s dive right in. Recently, a Ligue 1 match between Le Havre and Reims was interrupted due to homophobic chants from Le Havre fans. What are your initial thoughts on this incident?
Dr. Jean Dupont: Thank you for having me. This incident is profoundly concerning, as it highlights the ongoing struggle with homophobia in football, a sport that should be inclusive and welcoming to all. The chants directed at the League demonstrate not just a lack of respect for the game but also reinforce a toxic culture that marginalizes LGBTQ+ individuals in sports.
Time.news Editor: Abdoulaye Touré, the captain of Le Havre, took immediate action by asking the Ultras to stop these chants. What does this say about the role of players and captains in addressing such issues?
Dr. Jean Dupont: Touré’s actions are commendable and set a crucial precedent. Captains often serve as the moral compass for their teams and fans. His plea demonstrates that players can and should use their platform to combat hate speech. This proactive stance can inspire other players and fan bases to promote a more positive atmosphere within stadiums.
Time.news Editor: The referee halted the match following the chants and warned that future disruptions would lead to a permanent stoppage. What can you tell us about the referee’s responsibility in these situations?
Dr. Jean Dupont: Referees hold significant authority during matches, and their decisions can impact not only the game but also the overall environment in the stadium. By stopping the match, the referee made a strong statement against homophobia. However, the subsequent chants that continued without further intervention raise concerns about the enforcement of policies against discriminatory behavior.
Time.news Editor: Looking at the outcome of the match, Reims secured a 3-0 victory. How do you think the results can overshadow the seriousness of the homophobic chants?
Dr. Jean Dupont: Unfortunately, the focus often shifts to the final score rather than the behavior exhibited during the match. This can detract from the important message about acceptance and respect in sports. It’s vital for leagues and clubs to emphasize that the integrity of the game is not just about winning but also about creating a safe environment for all participants and supporters.
Time.news Editor: For readers who may want to support the fight against homophobia in sports, what practical steps can they take?
Dr. Jean Dupont: There are several ways individuals can get involved. Fans can join or support organizations that promote inclusivity in sports, attend LGBTQ+ events related to football, and advocate for stricter penalties against homophobic behavior in stadiums. It’s also important for fans to call out such behavior when they see it and to engage in dialogues with their communities about the importance of diversity in sports.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for sharing your insights on this important topic. It’s clear that while incidents like these are troubling, there are opportunities for growth and change within the sport to foster a more inclusive community.
Dr. Jean Dupont: Thank you for addressing this critical issue. I hope we can continue to see progress in making football a welcoming space for everyone.