Nantes’ Mostafa Mohamed fined for refusal to take part in anti-homophobia campaign | OneFootball

FC Nantes’ Mostafa Mohamed (25) has been fined for his refusal to participate in this weekend’s anti-homophobia campaign. The Egyptian international didn’t feature during Les Canaris’ 0-0 draw against FC Toulouse on Sunday, but he will be made available to feature against Montpellier next Saturday.

L’Équipe are reporting that whilst Mohamed will be fined by his club, he will not be sidelined from the group. He returned from Toulouse with the rest of Nantes’ delegation following Sunday’s match, and his participation between now and the end of the season has not been compromised.

The Egypt international explained his decision not to participate in Sunday’s game saying that whilst he respects “all differences, all beliefs and all convictions” he had to “respect [his] personal beliefs.”

“Given my roots, my culture, the importance of my convictions and beliefs, it was not possible for me to take part in this campaign,” said Mostafa.

Mostafa wasn’t the only player to refuse to take part in the match, which saw all players wear shirts adorned with the colours of the rainbow. Zakaria Aboukhlal, Moussa Diarra and Saïd Hamulić all refused to play, and the club has announced that they have been sidelined, unlike Mostafa, whose punishment is purely monetary. Mostafa is currently on loan at Nantes from Galatasaray. The deal includes an option to make the move permanent for €6m.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle