Paris Saint Germain are set to face damning consequences over homophobic chants made during their encounter against Marseille.
Four players of the Parisians could be embroiled in this mess, with the club also set to be punished as a result of the unfortunate incident.
The governing body of French football, LIP, sent for Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, Achraf Hakimi, and Layvin Kurzawa on Thursday, September 29, 2023.
These players are alleged to have participated in fuelling offensive chants after PSG’s 4-0 win over Marseille on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
Based on reports from The Athletic, they shared that the players celebrated under the Virage Auteuil stand.
That stand is where the club’s ultras are usually based, and the incident occurred after the encounter, as players celebrated their victory over their rivals.
According to German media outlet DW, Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, Achraf Hakimi, and Layvin Kurzawa are set to be handed a lengthy match ban for their actions.
Likely punishment for homophobic chants made by Paris Saint Germain players?
They are set to face a four-match ban if found guilty of the allegations at the hearing of the LFP.
The hearing has been scheduled for October 5, 2023, and their actions in conjunction with the ultras might attract punishments to Paris Saint Germain.
The Paris-based club put out a statement on Monday, September 25, 2023, condemning the homophobic chants made after the game against Marseille.
Paris Saint Germain wrote: “Paris Saint-Germain condemns all forms of discrimination, particularly homophobia, and would like to reiterate that it has no place in stadiums nor in society.”
The Parisians also revealed their efforts geared towards fighting “any form of discrimination.”
They wrote: “Paris Saint-Germain has been working for many years with leading associations in the fight against all forms of discrimination, such as SOS Homophobie, which carries out prevention work in academy and pre-academy centers, Sportitude, SOS Racisme and Licra, which works with the club and its supporters.”
Additionally, PSG shared that they will meet with all their partners in the coming days to improve their battle against homophobia.
Minister of Sport In France calls for justice
The minister of sport in France, Oudea Castera, also beckoned on Paris Saint Germain to fish out the perpetrators involved in this act.
On Monday, September 25, 2023, Minister Castera shared a lengthy statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) which reads:
“It is unthinkable to remain deaf to such hateful and homophobic chants in our stands.
“Yesterday, these chants spoiled the party at the Parc. They must be eradicated from our stadiums as a matter of urgency.
Summoning PSG to file a complaint against those involved in this ill-mannered act, he wrote:
“I invite PSG to lodge a complaint to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice so that they can be removed from the stadiums.”
Meanwhile, Paris Saint Germain return to action on Saturday, September 30, 2023, visiting the Gabriel Montpied Stadium to play against Clermont Foot.
Luis Enrique’s side sit 3rd on the Ligue 1 table, with 11 points from 6 matches, winning 3 games, drawing 2 and losing 1.
