This summer, the international football federation Fifa has sharpened its disciplinary code and introduced a zero tolerance against racism and all forms of discrimination in connection with football matches.
The French league, Ligue 1, has also introduced similar guidelines.
When supporters were heard scandalizing homophobic rams in Wednesday's rival meeting between Nice and Marseille, the referee chose to interrupt the match. According to the French news agency AFP, large parts of the home audience sang that "Marseille is a bunch of gays" and "Fan take you, Ligue 1" as a pure protest against the new zero tolerance.
"Can't stop every match"
The players appealed to the fans, but the team was out of position for both teams. The interruption lasted for about ten minutes before the game resumed.
-We can't stop every match every time an idiot does something. Then we will never be able to play, ”said Nice midfielder Wylan Cyprien given to French Canal + during the break.
- There have always been insults exchanged between the fans, it's part of the game
In an attempt to remove foul language in the stadiums, a list of banned words has been introduced in French football, which has already had its mark early in the season. Homophobic rams were also heard in a Ligue 2 match between Nancy and Le Mans on August 16. It was also interrupted for a number of minutes.
Marseille won the rivalry against Nice on the French Riviera by 2-1.