"Insufficient knowledge of the topic": French football head le Gre was criticized for speaking about homophobia in the stands

In France, the scandal associated with the new rule continues to gain momentum, initiated by the country's Ministry of Sports. In accordance with it, football referees are allowed to stop matches and take teams to the under-stands if there are signs of homophobia at the stadium. The public opinion on this issue was divided.

Forward of the Spanish “Barcelona” Antoine Griezmann supported the innovation, noting the inadmissibility of insults of any nature.

“In my opinion, stopping matches is a very good idea, whether we are talking about homophobic or racist chants. If we do this, the audience will be dissatisfied, and those who allow themselves to such insults will be forced to stop, ”the website of the radio station RTL quoted the footballer as saying.

There is an opposite point of view, which is also supported by a large number of functionaries, specialists and athletes.

In particular, the President of the French Football Federation (FFF) Noelle Le Greu noted that homophobia is not a sufficient reason for stopping matches, emphasizing that adequate fans should not suffer because of several violators.

“I do not want to be hostage to homophobia. In order to get rid of such banners, there are special units of the security service. Calling football homophobic is a little too much. I do not agree with this. I would stop the match due to racist chants, there is no doubt about that. Because of the fight, dangerous incidents in the stadium. But because of homophobia, no. This is a mistake, ”said the functionary on the radio station Franceinfo.

Le Gre was outraged by French Minister of Sports Roxanne Marasinyan, who advocated innovation. She sharply criticized the president of the FFF, accusing him of not understanding what he was talking about.

“The position expressed by Le Greet, saying that homophobia and racism are completely different things, is wrong. In his words there is a lack of knowledge of the topic, ”Marasinyanu emphasized.

Interestingly, an opinion similar to that of Le Gre was expressed by the captain of the French team Hugo Lloris. He suggested finding an alternative solution to the problem that would not involve stopping matches.

“It is necessary to combat various forms of discrimination, but stopping matches is not the best option. It will not be an obstacle to a bunch of idiots doing it in stadiums. There must be other ways, so we must entrust the search for the best solutions to the Professional Football League of France (LFP), ”the ESPN quotes Tottenham goalkeeper.

The rule entered into force in the 2019/20 season and has already been applied in practice several times. Due to the ambiguous chants of the fans, the match of League 2 “Nancy” - “Le Mans” was stopped, as well as the meetings of League 1 - “Brest” - “Reims”, “Monaco” - “Nimes” and “Nice” - “Marseille” .

At the same time, fan associations sharply criticized the innovation, arguing that it encroaches on their freedom of expression. Some of them expressed confidence that the fight against homophobic statements is only a cover for the full restriction of their actions in the stands. They conveyed their dissatisfaction with one of the most accessible methods. At one of the matches, PSG fans posted a banner with the inscription "Arrests and homophobia: the demagogy championship also resumed."

In addition to the rule requiring the referees to stop matches in the event of homophobia, the French football authorities also took a number of other measures designed to ensure order in the stadiums. Among them is a tightening of the rules regarding guest sectors at some matches.

Innovation was supported by President Emmanuel Macron, who in July made a statement that all forms of discrimination should be eliminated at the country's sports facilities.

“There is no sport in which roots and spirit are hatred of other people. This behavior cannot be justified. We fight homophobia and racism in all areas of society. Will we accept such things in our stadiums? Of course not. I welcome football players expressing such a position, ”quotes the head of state France Football.

At the same time, LFP President Natalie Bois de la Tour in mid-March called on the Ministry of Sports not to rush to conclusions and not to make hasty decisions. She noted that chants, in which there is some form of mention of sex minorities, are “part of football folklore” and do not always reflect the views of those who use them.