June 05, (THEWILL) – Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic has received a four-match ban from French football authorities after deliberately covering an anti-homophobia logo during a Ligue 1 fixture last month.
The 36-year-old Serbian international used white material to obscure the rainbow patch on his shirt sleeve when he came on as a substitute in Lyon’s 2-0 victory over Angers on the final day of the 2024/2025 season.
The incident occurred during International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on May 17, when French clubs displayed rainbow patches on their kit sleeves.
Matic entered the match in the 69th minute, replacing Tanner Tessman, with the covering material clearly visible over the campaign logo.
However, he left another anti-homophobia symbol uncovered, the French word for homophobia crossed out in red with “football” written beneath it.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel announced on Wednesday that Matic would serve two matches immediately, with a further two suspended.
Le Havre defender Ahmed Hassan received identical punishment for covering the same logo during his team’s match against Strasbourg.
Both players have agreed to participate in awareness campaigns about fighting homophobia in football within six months, according to the LFP.
French sports minister Marie Barsacq condemned the actions, stating that homophobic behaviour in football is unacceptable and that society’s evolution demands a change in sporting language.
The minister emphasised that football’s significant platform requires clubs and supporters to address discrimination issues seriously.
This follows similar incidents, including Monaco’s Mohamed Camara receiving a four-match ban in 2024 for placing tape over anti-homophobia messaging.
Matic’s contract with Lyon expires at the end of June 2025, meaning the ban will likely affect any future club rather than his current employers.
The anti-homophobia campaign has operated in Ligue 1 since 2021, aiming to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights within French football.
The punishment sends a clear message about the league’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly given the high-profile nature of the violations during a designated awareness day.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
