PSG’s Gueye’s absence from Anti-Homophobia Day questioned

French soccer association has questioned PSG midfielder Idrissa Gueye about his decision to sit out a game in which players wore rainbow-colored numbers to protest homophobia.

Gueye did not play because he did not want to wear a rainbow-colored number on his shirt, according to a source on Tuesday.

Because Gueye has not publicly commented on the incident, the person spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Gueye received a letter from the federation’s ethics council on Wednesday, demanding him to explain why he missed Saturday’s game.

If the reports are false, the Senegal international could take a photo of himself wearing the shirt, according to the council.

“Your absence has sparked a lot of curiosity, which has been widely misinterpreted as a refusal to participate in this operation to raise awareness about prejudice,” wrote council president Patrick Anton.

Gueye flew to Montpellier with his teammates for the game, but PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino cited “personal reasons” for Gueye’s absence.

“Either these reports are false, in which case we urge you to express yourself as soon as possible to put an end to the rumors, or these rumors are true, in which case we ask you to express yourself as soon as possible,” Anton had written.

“We encourage you to include a photo of yourself wearing the jersey in question with your comment.”

He said, “Or these rumors (reports) are true.”

“In that situation, we beg you to consider the consequences of your conduct and the grave error you made.”

“The struggle against prejudice against various minorities is an important and ongoing battle. Whether discrimination is based on skin color, religion, sexual orientation, or any other difference, it all stems from the rejection of others.”

For the second year in a row, French clubs were asked to decorate their shirts with numbers inspired by the rainbow flag, the LGBTQ movement’s symbol.

Gueye had also missed the same match in May of the previous season.

“By refusing to participate in this operation, you are condoning discriminatory behavior and rejection of others, not just of LGBTQ+ people,” Anton concluded.

“The impact of soccer on society and how players serve as role models for those who look up to them instills a sense of personal responsibility in all of us.”

“We hope that our message has made you aware of the need to clarify your viewpoint or make reparations.”

In both Senegal and France, the matter immediately became a political issue.

President Macky Sall of Senegal tweeted his support for Gueye.

Former Senegalese Prime Minister Abdoul Mbaye also backed Gueye, claiming that the PSG player “is not homophobic. He refuses to have his image used to encourage homosexuality.”

“Don’t bother him.”

In Senegal, homosexual partnerships are considered a crime punishable by up to five years in jail.

Valerie Pecresse, the conservative presidential candidate in France last month, joined the chorus of condemnation of Gueye.