Ex-Man Utd star Nemanja Matic has been banned after covering up a Ligue 1 campaign patch supporting LGBTQ+ rights.
Nemanja Matic Faces Ban for Taping Over Equality Symbol
Ex-Man Utd player Nemanja Matic has made headlines in the last week. Recently, he has been suspended after he hid an anti-homophobia patch on his jersey. This took place when he played against Angers on May 17. The 36-year-old midfielder covered the patch, which had rainbow colours, with tape. This was all part of a league-wide program to raise awareness on LGBTQ+.
The campaign has been running for five years. It encourages players to show support by wearing rainbow details on their kits. Also while stadiums display banners supporting inclusion. Matic wasn’t alone, Le Havre’s Ahmed Hassan also taped over the symbol. Both players were suspended for two games, with another two games conditionally suspended by Ligue 1’s disciplinary committee.
Player Beliefs Clash with League’s Inclusion Push
Matic’s decision follows a growing trend of players refusing to take part in the campaign. That is often due to religious or personal values. Last year, Mostafa Mohamed of Nantes refused to play in a relegation decider for similar reasons. He stated on Instagram that while he respects others, he also stands by his own beliefs.
Mohamed Camara, then with Monaco, was banned for four games after doing the same thing Matic did. A few Toulouse players also skipped a match in 2023, not wanting to be linked with the rainbow campaign.
Meanwhile, Matic’s future with Lyon is uncertain. His contract is set to expire at the end of June and no new deal is agreed yet. Whether or not he remains in France, his actions have led to an ongoing debate in football.
Players must not be forced to support social causes. In addition, their should personal beliefs must also be respected.
As featured on ManUNews.com
