"Such behavior should lead to the strongest sanctions" - Monaco's Mohamed Camara slammed by French Sports Minister for taping anti-homophobia badge
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera has called for sanctions against Monaco midfielder Mohamed Camara for taping up the anti-homophobia badge on his jersey. As part of Ligue 1's campaign against homophobia during the final matchday in France's top tier, there was an anti-homophobia badge on the players' jerseys and the Ligue 1 logo was in rainbow colors.
Camara was in the starting lineup for his side's fixture against Nantes, but the midfielder taped over both the signs and refused to participate in the picture with the anti-homophobia banner. During the game, the 24-year-old got on the scoresheet, leading Monaco to a 4-0 win.
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera demanding sanctions against Camara's decision. Speaking to RTL, she said (via Get Football News France):
“I think it’s unacceptable. I’ve already told the LFP [Ligue de Football Professionnel] what I think yesterday anyway and I think that such behaviour should lead to the strongest sanctions for the player, but also for the club for having allowed it to happen.”
Club manager Adi Hutter also spoke about the incident afterwards, adding:
“Firstly, we as a club, support the league’s initiative, for sure. It was a personal initiative from Mo Camara. We will have this conversation with Mo internally. Internally, we will discuss this situation. I had the badges on in the game, I support the league’s initiative."
Last season, a number of players did not partake in the anti-homophobia campaign, which saw players wear shirts with names printed in rainbow colors.
Adi Hutter reflects on Monaco's season
AS Monaco manager Adi Hutter reflected on his side's season after the conclusion of the league campaign. The principality club has had a decent season and finished in second place, nine points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The Austrian manager reflected on the season they had with the club, telling the press (via Monaco Tribune):
“I am open to criticism. It’s part of the game. I’ve been in the coaching profession for fifteen years. I haven’t always won. It’s part of football I like being there, I like working with my players on a daily basis. I can understand the criticism."
"Believe me, not everyone is happy that we only took 33 points after 18 matches. We started very well during the first nine games, with 20 points, then it was less good. There are not only reasons for satisfaction."
Adi Hutter will hope he can build on his side’s second-place finish next season. With the example shown by Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, AS Monaco will hope to become shock league winners in the next campaign under the Austrian manager.