sport news French Football Federation write to PSG man Idrissa Gueye urging him clarify ... trends now
The French Football Federation have written to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye in a bid to clarify his reported refusal to wear a shirt with his number in rainbow colours.
It was reported by French media earlier this week that Gueye, a devout Muslim, missed his side's 4-0 win against Montpellier on Saturday because he didn't want to wear the special shirts in an expression of solidarity to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, on Tuesday May 17.
His manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed his absence was due to 'personal reasons' and not because of an injury. Now, according to Get French Football News, The FFF have encouraged Gueye to clarify his position.
'There are two possibilities, either these allegations are unfounded and we invite you to speak out without delay to silence these rumours. For example, we invite you to accompany your message by a photo of yourself wearing said shirt,' the letter reportedly says.
'Or the rumours are true. In this case we invite you to realise the impact of your act, and the grave error committed. The fight against discrimination towards different minorities, whoever they might be, is a vital fight for all times. Whether it’s skin colour, religion, sexual orientation, or any other difference, all discrimination is based on the same principle which is rejection of the other because they are different from the majority.
'By refusing to take part in this collective operation, you are effectively validating discriminatory behaviour, and rejection of the other, and not just against the LGBTQI+ community. The impact of football on society and the capacity for footballers to be a role model for those who admire them gives us all a particular responsibility.'
The French Football Federation have urged Idrissa Gueye to clarify reports he refused to wear a rainbow shirt for PSG's 4-0 win against Montpellier last weekend
The PSG side took to the pitch in the special shirts ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, on Tuesday May 17
Gueye, pictured with team-mate Lionel Messi, is a devout Muslim and in his native Senegal homosexuality can result in five years imprisonment
