Lyon's Matic, Le Havre's Hassan given two-game bans after concealing Ligue 1's anti-homophobia badge

 

On May 17, 2025, Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Nemanja Matic and Le Havre striker Ahmed Hassan were involved in a controversy during Ligue 1 matches. Both players deliberately concealed the anti-homophobia rainbow badge on their shirts, prompting disciplinary action from the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP). Matic covered the badge with tape during Lyon's 2-0 victory over Angers, while Hassan did the same in Le Havre's 3-2 win against Strasbourg. The LFP disciplinary committee responded by issuing each player a two-game suspension, with an additional two matches suspended, meaning they will miss immediate upcoming fixtures but face further consequences if they reoffend.

In addition to the bans, Matic and Hassan agreed to participate in an awareness campaign aimed at combating homophobia in football. This initiative, to be completed within six months, reflects the LFP's commitment to promoting inclusivity and addressing discriminatory behavior in the sport. The rainbow badge, part of Ligue 1's broader anti-homophobia campaign, is displayed on players' kits to raise awareness and foster a more inclusive environment in football. The players' actions were seen as undermining this effort, leading to swift disciplinary measures.

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The suspensions highlight the LFP's firm stance on upholding values of respect and equality in French football. While the incident has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about players' responsibilities in supporting such campaigns, it also underscores the ongoing challenge of tackling homophobia in sports. Matic and Hassan, both experienced professionals, will need to navigate the consequences of their actions as they return to their respective teams. The awareness campaign they will join aims to educate and promote positive change, potentially setting a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.