Ligue 1 Pair Matic and Hassan Receive Two-Match Suspensions for Concealing Anti-Homophobia Badge

Midfielder Nemanja Matic from Olympique Lyonnais and striker Ahmed Hassan of Le Havre have both received two-match suspensions, along with an additional two matches suspended, after they covered up Ligue 1’s anti-homophobia emblem on their jerseys, as announced by the French top league.

The 36-year-old Serbian, Matic, covered the anti-homophobia badge with tape when he came off the bench during Lyon’s 2-0 victory at home against Angers on May 17th, which marked the conclusion of the Ligue 1 season. His contract with Lyon is set to expire at the end of this month.

In a similar vein, 32-year-old Egyptian Hassan faced identical penalties during Le Havre’s 3-2 triumph against Strasbourg.

“The committee also suggested that the player—who promptly agreed at the meeting—contribute to a campaign aimed at raising awareness in the fight against homophobia in football within the next six months…” Ligue 1 stated in a release on Thursday.

Ligue 1 had intended for players to sport rainbow-coloured symbols on their shirts or armbands and to convey messages in stadiums as part of its annual awareness initiative.

However, participation has varied in recent years, with some players citing personal or religious beliefs as reasons for their decision to abstain.