Mohamed Camara given four-match ban for hiding anti-homophobia logo

Monaco footballer Mohamed Camara (24) has been suspended for four matches due to covering an anti-homophobia logo on his shirt during a Ligue 1 game, as announced by the French League (LFP) on Thursday.

The LFP stated that they have decided on a four-match ban after discussions with Mohamed Camara, noting his refusal to participate in any awareness-raising activities against homophobia.

Camara chose not to support the French league's campaign against homophobia by concealing the logo on his shirt while playing for Monaco against Nantes in the final game of the season on May 19.

Additionally, the midfielder declined to join a group photo where both teams were standing behind a banner in solidarity with the LGBTQ community.

The Malian player could have faced a 10-match suspension according to the disciplinary guidelines of the French Football Federation.

Monaco's general manager Thiago Scuro stated, "We acknowledge the League's decision, which we accept, and we will not challenge it."

The club issued an apology for the incident, with Scuro explaining, "Mo did this for religious reasons."

Scuro added, "It's a delicate matter on all fronts, as we must also respect all religions. However, as an organization, we are deeply saddened by this incident and want to clarify that we do not condone it."

Camara scored a goal as Monaco, finishing as runners-up to champions Paris Saint-Germain, secured a 4-0 victory.

France's sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera expressed, "Such actions should be met with severe penalties for both the player and the club that allowed it."

Nevertheless, in Mali, Camara received widespread support for upholding his personal and religious beliefs.

The Malian Football Federation (FMF) released a statement backing the player "in exercising his freedom of expression."

The FMF emphasized, "Players are citizens like any other whose fundamental rights must be safeguarded under all circumstances."

The midfielder is scheduled to compete in two matches with the Mali national team in early June, however, he will be ineligible to play in the first four Ligue 1 matches of the next season starting on August 16.