Some absences are more noticeable than others.

That of Idrissa Gueye on Saturday against Montpellier (4-0), the day when, as for four years, L1 players have joined the fight against homophobia by wearing a rainbow jersey, is not not gone unnoticed.

If the player's entourage, contacted by AFP, refused to explain the reasons for this absence, they are however clear for associations fighting against homophobia.

Penalty requests

"He had already done it last year. There is little doubt about his intentions," explains Bertrand Lambert, president of Panam Boyz and Girlz United, a club open to diversity.

Idrissa Gueye had in fact also not played last year on the day when L1 clubs sport the rainbow jersey, claiming at the time to be the victim of "gastroenteritis".

Two absences in quick succession which are somewhat of a task, and which the Parisian club obviously struggles to justify.

On Saturday, the Argentinian coach of Paris SG Mauricio Pochettino had mentioned "personal reasons", specifying that his player "was not injured".

A source close to the Parisian locker room evokes for his part "an individual choice of the player, he put himself aside".

Since this match, voices have been raised to denounce what can be interpreted as a refusal to be associated with the defense of LGBT rights.

"I regret that he did not participate in this day which is not a promotion of homosexuality but a promotion of living together," said Bertrand Lambert.

"And in the same way that wearing an armband to fight against racism does not change the skin color of the wearer, wearing a rainbow jersey does not change sexuality. It just helps to break down prejudices ."

"Homophobia is not an opinion but a crime", reminded him of the Rouge Direct collective which fights against homophobia in sport on Sunday on Twitter.

"The LFP (League) and PSG must ask Gana Gueye to explain himself and very quickly. And sanction him if necessary".

Kylian Mbappé (left) and Marquinhos (right) during the Ligue 1 match between PSG and Montpellier on Saturday May 14, 2022 in Montpellier Pascal GUYOT AFP

The case has even reached the political sphere.

Valérie Pécresse, ex-candidate in the presidential election and president of the Ile-de-France region, tried to challenge the Parisian club on Twitter.

"The players of a football club, and those of PSG in particular, are figures of identification for our young people. They have a duty to set an example. A refusal by Idrissa Gana Gueye to join the fight against homophobia could not remain without sanction!”, she posted on the social network.

"It going"

Contacted by AFP, PSG recalls being "completely committed to the fight against homophobia and discrimination, with Sportitude or SOS Racisme. Our players have proudly worn this jersey, the biggest stars, Messi, Neymar or Mbappé, expressing the commitment of the club".

But on the other hand, radio silence on the Gueye case.

Will he be sanctioned?

Can it be?

However, it seems difficult to imagine that the Parisian club decides to sanction the player, who could then find himself in a complex legal situation in terms of labor law.

The LFP, contacted by AFP, "does not wish to comment" on the incident and recalls its "fundamental work in this area for four years", such as "the organization of workshops to raise awareness of homophobia in clubs and training centers.

“Tuesday an auction is organized with the sales of these jerseys for the benefit of LGBT associations”, it was specified, but without commenting on the absence of Gueye.

Midfielder Idrissa Gueye (right) alongside Lionel Messi during the Champions League match against Manchester City on September 28, 2021 at the Parc des Princes FRANCK FIFE AFP / Archives

Bertrand Lambert "regrets that there is no reaction at the highest level of the State, PSG and football authorities. That said, we must not forget that what happened this weekend is quite marginal since there is only one who refused".

© 2022 AFP