Monaco midfielder Mohamed Camara covered up the anti-homophobia logo on his shirt during a match, sparking controversy. Following the incident, the club’s general manager, Thiago Scuro, assured the public that such behavior would not happen again in the future. This incident occurred on the final day of the Ligue 1 season when Camara placed tape over the logo as part of an anti-homophobia campaign led by the French league.
Camara’s actions resulted in him not participating in the pre-match photo opportunity alongside other players who were supporting the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. Despite his religious convictions being cited as the reason for covering up the logo, Scuro emphasized that the club fully supports the league’s anti-homophobia campaign.
In response to the incident, France’s Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera called for sanctions against both Camara and Monaco, should the league decide to take action. While Scuro acknowledged that any potential sanctions would be dealt with internally, he hoped that the whole organization would not be penalized unfairly. He also made a commitment that such behavior would not occur again in future seasons.
Meanwhile, Camara received support from individuals in Mali, with some expressing solidarity with his religious beliefs. Despite this, Scuro emphasized the importance of respecting the anti-homophobia campaign and ensuring that all players adhere to the rules set forth by the league. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding religious beliefs and sportsmanship on the field.