French Football Marred by Homophobic Chants
A disturbing trend of homophobic chants has resurfaced in French football, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans being the latest perpetrators. During a recent home game against Strasbourg, PSG supporters directed slurs at Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot, a former PSG player who made over 200 appearances for the club between 2012 and 2019.
A Betrayal in the Eyes of PSG Fans
Rabiot’s move to Marseille has been seen as a betrayal by PSG fans, fueling the already intense rivalry between the two clubs. The chants were met with disapproval from the stadium announcer, who twice asked for the slurs to stop, only to be jeered by the crowd.
Ligue 1 Condemns the Behavior
The French professional football league, Ligue 1, has swiftly condemned the discriminatory chants, stating that they are “unacceptable” and run counter to the league’s efforts to ban homophobic behavior and chants from stadiums. The league’s disciplinary committee will investigate the incident and review evidence.
A History of Clashes and Sanctions
This is not the first time PSG fans have been involved in controversies surrounding homophobic chants. Last season, several PSG players received suspended sentences for using insults aimed at Marseille players after a home league match. The match was also marred by homophobic chanting, resulting in the closure of a stand at the Parc des Princes stadium.
Security Concerns Ahead of Next Sunday’s Game
With PSG set to face Marseille next Sunday, security concerns are high. PSG fans have been banned from attending the game at Stade Velodrome due to a history of clashes between rival fans. The rivalry between the two clubs has been one of the most intense in French football since the 1990s.
A Bitter Rivalry with Deep Roots
The animosity between PSG and Marseille is rooted in the clubs’ contrasting histories and successes. While PSG has become the most successful French club domestically, with 12 league titles, Marseille boasts the ultimate bragging right as the only French club to have won the Champions League. The rivalry is set to continue, with both teams vying for supremacy on and off the pitch.
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