2024-11-13 15:00:00
“Oh Lyonnais, you bunch of fags! » “We must kill these Parisian fags!” » “The Marseillais are fags, sons of bitches, motherfuckers! » : do these words shock you? We hope so! Despite their widespread use in football stadiums, they still constitute crimes of public insult and public incitement to hatred due to sexual orientation, punishable by one year in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros…
However, the homophobic chants of supporters of a multi-repeat PSG, on October 19, benefited from an unworthy leniency from the Professional Football League (LFP), with an even weaker sanction than last year for identical acts – partial closure of a stand this year, versus closure of an entire stand accompanied by a fine in 2023. Those of the supporters of Olympique de Marseille (OM), perfectly audible during the DAZN broadcast of the OM-PSG match , on October 27, were not even recorded by the LFP delegates present at the Stade-Vélodrome.
These homophobic comments, which hurt LGBT people, spoil the football party. They have benefited from culpable impunity on the part of football authorities and clubs for too long. And we say it as football fans and sports lovers!
So, what do we actually do? The French Football Federation (FFF) (more than 2 million members, including 1 million young people) is responsible for amateur football and around 15,000 clubs. Its federal educational program must be reviewed, in conjunction with LGBTI associations [personnes lesbiennes, gay, bisexuelles, trans et intersexes]and human resources must be deployed in the 90 departmental districts to ensure its effective implementation. With a total budget of nearly 300 million euros, this seems reasonably possible for the FFF.
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**Interview with Alex Dupont, LGBTQIA+ Advocate and Football Fan**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Alex. Recent events in football have reignited the issue of homophobic chants in stadiums. What are your thoughts on the recent incidents involving PSG and Olympique de Marseille supporters?
**Alex Dupont:** Thank you for having me. It’s deeply concerning to see such explicit homophobic language still prevalent in football. The chants you mentioned are shocking and reflect a culture of intolerance that persists in the sport. What’s frustrating is the leniency shown by the Professional Football League in response to these incidents.
**Editor:** You mentioned the leniency of sanctions. How do you think this affects LGBTQIA+ individuals in and outside of the football community?
**Alex Dupont:** It sends a terrible message. When football authorities fail to take strong action against homophobic behavior, it implies that such language is permissible, which can further marginalize LGBTQIA+ individuals. This not only hurts fans attending games but also reinforces societal norms that allow discrimination to thrive.
**Editor:** What do you believe needs to change within football to combat these issues effectively?
**Alex Dupont:** First and foremost, the football authorities must implement stricter penalties for homophobic chants and behavior. Additionally, clubs should launch educational campaigns that promote inclusivity and respect within their fan bases. Raising awareness about the impact of such language is crucial in fostering a culture of acceptance in football.
**Editor:** In light of this ongoing issue, how can the broader community help support LGBTQIA+ fans?
**Alex Dupont:** Allies play a significant role. Fans should call out homophobic behavior when they see it, whether that’s during matches or on social media. Moreover, creating safe spaces in stadiums and advocating for visibility of LGBTQIA+ issues within sports can help make football a more welcoming environment for everyone.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message would you like to share with football fans regarding homophobia in the sport?
**Alex Dupont:** Football is for everyone. If we truly love the sport, we must stand against hatred and discrimination. Every fan has a role in ensuring that our stadiums are places of joy, not hostility. It’s time for all of us to speak up and demand change.
**Editor:** Thank you, Alex, for your insightful thoughts and for advocating for a more inclusive future in football.
