Nantes to donate Mostafa Mohamed’s fine to a charity that combats homophobia

FC Nantes have released a club statement relating to Mostafa Mohamed’s refusal to partake in Ligue 1’s anti-homophobia campaign last weekend. The league initiative consisted of wearing the club kit adorned with rainbow-coloured shirt numbers. The Egyptian international striker sat out Les Canaris’ 0-0 away draw against Toulouse on Sunday.

Mohamed explained his decision not to participate in Sunday’s game, saying that whilst he respects “all differences, all beliefs and all convictions” he had to “respect [his] personal beliefs.” “Given my roots, my culture, the importance of my convictions and beliefs, it was not possible for me to take part in this campaign,” added the Galatasaray loanee.

Ouest-France revealed on Monday that Mohamed would be fined for his refusal to participate in this weekend’s anti-homophobia campaign. The club have confirmed this and pointed out that the money will be donated to SOS Homophobie, a charity that combats homophobia and “which will be able to make good use of it in order to fight this scourge”, the club wrote in their press release.

The club also put on record that they would continue to combat all forms of discrimination. FC Nantes also strongly condemned the threats that had been made against Mohamed and his family, before as well as after the game against Toulouse. Mohamed is expected to feature for Nantes against Montpellier next Saturday for Ligue 1 gameweek 36.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval