French football star suspended after calling manager a ‘faggot’
A defender for French football team Paris Saint-Germain FC has been suspended over allegations of homophobia – ahead of a match with Chelsea.
The team, which dominates the top tier of French football, is set to play against Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday.
However, ahead of the clash footballer Serge Aurier has been suspended for making alleged homophobic comments during a Periscope broadcast to fans.
In the live video chat, Aurier claimed that coach Laurent Blanc and teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic had engaged in oral sex – referring to Blanc as “une fiotte” (faggot).
A statement from the club says: “This Sunday, the club have learned of a video distributed on social media in which Serge Aurier responds to questions from internet users.
“The video, filmed in a private context, contains certain comments which are clearly unacceptable from a Paris St Germain player, towards certain team-mates and especially towards coach Laurent Blanc.
“The club have opened disciplinary proceedings against the player, accompanied by a provisional suspension.
“Serge Aurier therefore will not figure in the squad to play against Chelsea on Tuesday in the Champions League.
“Paris St Germain offer their full support to coach Laurent Blanc and to the players who, quite rightly, feel offended by these comments which are against the values of the club.”
Chief exec Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: “I have taken the decision to suspend Serge Aurier. Paris St Germain is a very strong institution and nobody can affect that.
He added: “I will not allow anyone to cause difficulty for the club or distract us from our aims, beginning with our meeting with Chelsea.”
Aurier has said that he “deeply regrets” the comments.
