French league suspends Monaco player for covering up LGBTQ patch during soccer match

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A French soccer league has issued Monaco midfielder Mohamed Camara a four-game suspension after he covered up an LGBTQ patch on his uniform during the team’s final league game earlier this month. 

The Ligue de Football Professionnel announced on its website Thursday that Camara, who is from Mali, would be suspended for four games after he refused to "carry out one or more actions to raise awareness of the fight against homophobia."

Monaco's Malian midfielder Mohamed Camara, right, and Monaco's Austrian coach Adi Hutter shake hands as he is substituted during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and FC Nantes at the Louis II Stadium in the Principality of Monaco on May 19, 2024. (NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)

During the team’s 4-0 win over Nantes on May 19, Camara covered up the patch, which had the word "homophobia" crossed out with an "X," with white tape. 

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He also reportedly did not participate in the team’s pre-match group photo where the players stood before a banner with the same message. He also covered a rainbow badge on the jersey’s sleeve. 

The incident prompted a fierce response from French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, who called for immediate action from the league. 

"Homophobia is not an opinion, it is a crime. And homophobia kills," she said on X, according to a translation of the post. "Exemplary sanctions must be imposed against Mohamed Camara" 

Monaco's players celebrate with Malian midfielder Mohamed Camara, center, after he scored Monaco's third goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and FC Nantes at the Louis II