Ex-Man Utd star Nemanja Matic sparks outrage after appearing to cover up LGBTQ+ logo on Lyon shirt during Ligue 1 clash with Angers

Lyon midfielder Matic has been criticised for covering the LGBTQ+ rainbow insignia on his shirt during a 2-0 win over Angers. The incident occurred during the league's annual anti-homophobia campaign, which encourages players to wear rainbow armbands and logos.

Matic wasn’t the only one to take a stand. Le Havre’s Ahmed Hassan also covered the same symbol on his shirt, while Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed chose to boycott the match against Montpellier because of his personal beliefs. Notably, this was the third time this season that Mohamed has skipped a game for the same reason.

Another incident involved Lens defender Jonathan Gradit, who reportedly made a homophobic slur in the tunnel during half-time of their match against Monaco.

This insignia was part of the LFP's homophobia-fighting campaign to make football more inclusive. This occurred on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.

However, some players have pushed back against the league’s efforts in recent seasons. Both Mostafa and Matic have previously refused to wear LGBTQ+ symbols, citing personal or religious beliefs.

The controversy led Marie Barsacq, France’s new Sports Minister, to speak out. She said the government expects clubs and players to take responsibility and uphold the values of inclusion.

Marie Barsacq condemned the recent actions and called for accountability. She said: "Football has a massive platform, and the [French Football] Federation is determined to put this issue on the clubs’ and supporters’ agenda. Homophobic insults and behaviour are no longer acceptable. Society has evolved, and the language in football must change with it. There’s a full range of sanctions available, and they must be applied."

The French Football Federation (FFF) is now pushing for disciplinary action against players who rejected the campaign or acted inappropriately during last weekend’s matches. Matic and Hassan could be summoned for questioning or fined, while Gradit may face suspension if his alleged homophobic remark is confirmed.