French Sports Minister Calls for Action Against Homophobic Chants in Football

French Sports Minister Calls for Action Against Homophobic Chants in Football

Outrage at Homophobic Chants

Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, the French Sports Minister, has expressed her condemnation over homophobic chants at the Parc des Princes, urging for sanctions against those responsible. The Minister made her comments following an event concerning the Paris 2024 Olympics. Although she did not speak during the event, she gave her first verbal response to the incidents that occurred at the Parc des Princes on Sunday night.

Issue Not Restricted to Paris Saint-Germain

Oudéa-Castéra stated that the problem of homophobic chanting needs to be addressed by the entirety of French football, not just Paris Saint-Germain. She pointed out that homophobic chants have been heard in other stadiums and from other teams as well. The Sports Minister emphasized that the passion for football should not result in discrimination and that the occurrence of such chants should not be normalized. Instead, she advocates for a fight against this behavior, stating that such words are unacceptable and have no place in the stadiums.

Legal Framework in Place

The Sports Minister continued by saying that a legal framework has been established to combat discriminatory acts. She stressed the significance of individual sanctions against those who initiate these chants from the stands. Oudéa-Castéra expressed her disgust at the idea that this behavior is part of football culture, arguing that if it is normalized, it will be transmitted from generation to generation.

Addressing Ingrained Behaviors

Oudéa-Castéra also responded to the alarming observations made by Yoann Lemaire, the president of Foot Ensemble, who has denounced ingrained behaviors that start at a young age or in training centers. She concluded by saying she wants to see the positive aspects of football enthusiasm, the players, and the teams, not “chants from another time” that no longer have a place in stadiums.