March 18 – Homophobic and racist chanting during the traditional Ligue 1 showpiece between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Marseille has once again blighted the game domestically amid calls for French authorities to do more to stop it.
A French campaign group has urged the government to punish discriminatory chanting, while Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot, a former PSG player who not for the first time was targeted, took aim at PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
French referees have the power to stop play if fans chant homophobic and racist slurs in stadiums, but Sunday’s match in Paris was not halted despite repeated incidents, which tarnished PSG’s 3-1 over their bitter rivals in what is known as ‘Le Classique’.
The Rouge Direct group called on the Ministers of Sport, Interior and Justice, as well as officials from the French Football Federation and League, to “ensure that these illegal chants are finally severely punished.”
The group posted footage on social media in which hardcore PSG fans can be heard chanting abuse. “In the mud there are rats. In the sewers there are rats. Rats are everywhere. They are the Marseillais,” went the chant.
The word ‘rat’ can be used in a racist and derogatory way in the French language and the song was widely seen as referencing Marseille’s large Arab minority.
The homophobia again centred on Paris-born Rabiot, who returned to his former club to a hostile reception.
Rabiot, who made more than 200 appearances for PSG from 2012-19, has been one of Marseille’s best players this season, but his decision to play for them after his departure from Juventus has been seen as a betrayal by PSG fans.
Rabiot’s mother, Véronique, who is also his agent, told Radio France that she will be lodging a complaint after PSG fans displayed insulting banners directed at her and her son.
“I don’t understand why the match wasn’t stopped,” she said, claiming double standards. “I don’t understand why nobody is outraged. Why are some matches stopped and not others?”
Her son later denounced Al-Khelaifi, who is also head of the European Club Association and one of the most powerful figures in European football.
“Insulting a mother and a dead father…” Rabiot wrote. “You have to pay for everything one day. You won’t be taking it to heaven. Believe me. Nasser, you can have all the money in the world and even more, but you can’t buy class.”
Marseille supporters were banned from attending Sunday’s match and they too have been guilty of repeated homophobic chanting at their own stadium.
However, the club criticised the PSG fans, declaring in a statement: “The personal attacks, particularly targeting Adrien Rabiot and his family, are despicable and unacceptable.
“The club, which wishes to offer its full support and solidarity to its midfielder and his loved ones, announces that it joins the complaint filed against unknown persons by Adrien Rabiot’s family.”
The Rouge Direct group said the derogatory chanting should be tackled more seriously, especially as it was broadcast and seen by millions of TV spectators, including children.
Homophobic insults at Ligue 1 matches have been tolerated for too long. French clubs have been sanctioned with fines and the league’s disciplinary commission has also ordered the closure of stands in recent years, but the problem shows little sign of receding.
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