"Values ​​deeply rooted in me": FC Nantes player admits he does not want to play on the day against homophobia

End of hypocrisy for Mohamed Mostafa . Regularly injured "diplomatically" during Ligue 1 matches dedicated to the fight against homophobia, the FC Nantes player is this year taking responsibility for his refusal to play and wear a rainbow armband.

While his coach Antoine Kombouaré had mentioned in the morning that Mostefa was uncertain for the match against Montpellier because of a "muscular problem" , the striker spoke out on Instagram.

"My participation in this initiative is impossible."

"I will not be participating in the Nantes-Montpellier match this Saturday. Everyone has a story, a culture, a sensitivity. I am not comfortable with the idea of ​​expressing myself publicly, but today I feel the need to clarify my approach. Without seeking to fuel a debate. Everyone has a story, a culture, a sensitivity. Living together also means recognizing that this diversity can be expressed differently depending on the person," wrote the Nantes striker in a story.

"I believe in mutual respect, the kind we owe to others. But also the kind we owe to ourselves and our beliefs. For my part, certain deeply held values, linked to my origins and my faith, make my participation in this initiative impossible. This choice is personal. It expresses neither rejection nor judgment. I simply hope that this decision will be received with calm and understanding," he concludes.

4-match suspension?

FC Nantes has already announced that it will impose a financial penalty on Mostafa Mohamed . Like last year, the money will be donated to an association fighting homophobia.

Last year, the LFP suspended AS Monaco's Malian midfielder Mohamed Camara for four matches after he covered the operation's logo on his jersey with adhesive tape. He was transferred to Qatari club Al-Sadd SC at the end of the year.