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Nantes striker Mohamed fined for sitting out game marking anti-homophobia campaign / Photo: © AFP/File
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Nantes striker Mohamed fined for sitting out game marking anti-homophobia campaign
French Ligue 1 side Nantes will fine their Egyptian international striker Mostafa Mohamed over his refusal to play in Saturday's vital game against Montpellier which will also see the clubs mark the international day against homophobia, a source told AFP on Thursday.
Mohamed has already missed games in the past which have coincided with French league campaigns against homophobia.
In 2023, the striker refused to play in a match against Toulouse when the teams wore shirts with rainbow-coloured numbers on the back. Mohamed's entourage said he faced threats if he played in the game.
A source close to Nantes said Mohamed's fine would be donated to a charity fighting LGBTQ discrimination.
Nantes need to win at home to Montpellier in their final game of the season on Saturday to be certain of avoiding relegation -- they are currently two points above the drop zone although their favourable goal difference means a draw will almost certainly suffice.
Earlier Nantes coach Antoine Kombouare had claimed that "a minor muscle problem" was the explanation for Mohamed not being in the squad.
Last year Mali midfielder Mohamed Camara, who was at Monaco at the time, taped over a badge in support of the LGBTQ community during a game.
He also opted out of a pre-match photograph where players stood behind a banner backing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia.
Camara was later handed a four-match ban by the French league.
M.Hill--SFF
