RELIGIOUS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Five football players from Ligue 1, France’s top division, have reportedly refused to play on Sunday in protest at a campaign to insist players wear rainbow colour numbers on their shirts in a campaign to combat homophobia.
Seven players for Toulouse are involved, with one, Mostafa Mohammed, who plays for the Egyptian national team, tweeting: “Given my roots, my culture, the importance of my convictions and beliefs, it was not possible for me to participate in this campaign.
I hope that my decision will be respected, as well as my wish not to argue about this and that everyone is treated with respect.” Toulouse Football Club issued a statement saying it would exclude the players for this Sunday’s match.