Borussia Dortmund (BVB) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Parisian supporters directed homophobic chants towards Habib Beye, the former Olympique de Marseille (OM) player and current coach for Red Stars, who was present as a consultant for Canal+.
The unsavory incident unfolded as the 3,800-strong contingent of Parisian fans gathered in Dortmund, using a song with homophobic lyrics to welcome Habib Beye.
The target of the song was unmistakably the Marseillais, a reference to the OM team where Beye plied his trade from 2003 to 2007. It is worth noting that Beye, a PSG academy product, responded to the reception with a touch of irony.
“They love me. I think they remember that at that time (when Beye was in Marseille), OM was dominant,” remarked the former Senegalese international in real-time, subtly acknowledging the historical rivalry between PSG and OM.
The incident draws attention to the persisting issue of discriminatory behavior in football stadiums, particularly concerning homophobic chants.
Such instances have been a cause for concern in the football community, prompting organizations and governing bodies to intensify efforts to eradicate such behaviors from the beautiful game.
The pre-match episode involving Habib Beye underscores the need for continuous awareness campaigns and stringent measures to address discrimination and promote inclusivity in football.
As the sport strives to be a platform that unifies diverse communities, incidents like these serve as reminders of the work yet to be done to ensure a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone involved in the game.
Habib #Beye en plateau avec le diffuseur accueilli par le premier chant de la soirée… @RMCsport #RMCLive #BVBPSG pic.twitter.com/4KH77Dalog
— Arthur Perrot (@ArthurPerrot) December 13, 2023
