Matic given ban for covering anti-homophobia sign

Nemanja Matic, a Lyon midfielder, was taped to an anti-homophobia message that was written on his shirt, and he has received a two-game ban.

During Lyon’s 2-0 win over Angers on May 17, the Serb, 36, threw an anti-homophobia display on his sleeve.

The Ligue 1 campaign is currently in its fifth year, and it includes the anti-homophobia message. In stadiums, banners, and other common attire are displayed alongside rainbow-colored symbols.

However, Matic, a former Chelsea and Manchester United player, and Ahmed Hassan, a 32-year-old Le Havre striker, taped the messages on their sleeves.

The pair received two match bans and two additional suspended matches from Ligue 1.

In recent years, the annual awareness campaign has met resistance, with some participants citing their religious convictions as justifications.

Mostafa Mohamed, 27, withdrew from Nantes’ final game of the season against Montpellier.

I think that we must treat each other with the respect we owe both to ourselves and our beliefs. Before the match, Nantes’ Mohamed said on Instagram that his deep-rooted values are related to my background and beliefs, which make my involvement in this initiative challenging.

Mohamed Camara, 25, from the then-Monaco midfielder, was banned from four games last season for taping over a homophobic logo on his shirt.