The French Football League (LFP) has suspended AS Monaco’s midfielder Mohamed Camara for four matches after the LGBTQ+ logo on his shirt was covered up during a Ligue 1 match.
Camara’s refusal to participate in actions to raise awareness for the queer community led to the suspension, the LFP stated on Thursday, according to Reuters.
The incident occurred during Monaco’s last league match of the season on May 19, where Camara’s shirt displayed a badge covered with white tape. Despite the controversy, he scored a penalty in Monaco’s 4-0 win against Nantes.
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera called for “the strongest sanctions” against the 24-year-old player.
In response, the Malian Football Federation issued a statement defending Camara, emphasizing the protection of players’ fundamental rights.
AS Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro stated that the club supports the French league’s anti-homophobia campaign and will address the issue with Camara internally.
Camara’s management agency, Unique Sports Group, has not commented on the incident.
This follows a similar situation last year where several Ligue 1 players refused to wear shirts with rainbow-colored numbers in support of anti-homophobia efforts.
