Dylan Bettencourt
Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gueye did not feature in Paris Saint Germain’s win over Montpellier on Saturday citing “personal reasons”.
But reports suggest that Gueye did not want to wear the kit that featured a rainbow flag on the squad numbers, which represents solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
The PSG kit features a rainbow flag on the squad numbers.
While PSG walked away 4-0 winners with Lionel Messi scoring a brace, manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed that Gueye “had to leave the team sheet for personal reasons. But he isn’t injured.”
The absence of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) winner raised questions whether he refused to play due to the symbol of the LGBTQ+ community.
Every Ligue 1 game over the weekend featured the flag on players’ shirt numbers and captains’ armbands, as part of an initiative for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on 17 May.
Gueye missed the same round of fixtures last season where the rainbow flag was used. It was said that he had stomach problems.
The player or his representatives have yet to comment on the allegations which have been confirmed by several publications in France.
The former Everton midfielder has made 25 appearances for PSG this season, with nearly half of those coming off the bench.
The usually defensive Gueye has found himself on the score sheet three times this season with one assist.
PSG’s and Gueye’s season will come to an end on Saturday when the Ligue 1 champions host Metz.
Image source: @SportBible
