PSG’s Gueye asked to explain absence after homophobia accusations

(FILES) In this file photo taken on December 17, 2021 Paris Saint-Germain’s Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gueye gives an interview at the Ooredoo Training Centre in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. – The French Football Federation’s (FFF) national ethics council (CNE) has asked PSG’s Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye to explain whether or not he refused to wear a jersey with LGBT colours, in a letter seen May 18, 2022 by AFP. (Photo by Geoffroy VAN DER HASSELT / AFP)

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has been ordered by the French football federation’s ethics board to answer accusations he missed a game to avoid wearing a rainbow jersey in support of the LGBTQI+ movement.

The Senegal international was absent for Saturday’s 4-0 win over Montpellier in Ligue 1 for “personal reasons” rather than injury, according to coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Gueye must “issue a public apology” or say the rumours he refused to take part in French football’s fight against homophobia are “unfounded”, according to a letter seen Wednesday by AFP addressed to the player.

He also missed a match last year on a day dedicated to raising awareness against discrimination.

“This absence (against Montpellier)… is very widely interpreted as a refusal to participate,” wrote the FFF’s ethics board.

“One of two things, either the hypotheses are unfounded and we invite you to immediately express yourself in order to silence these rumours,” the letter continued.

“Or the rumours are true. In this case we ask you to be aware of the impact of your actions and the very serious error committed.”

“In refusing to take part in this collective initiative you are validating discriminatory behaviour… and not only against the LGBTQI+ community,” it added.

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