Nantes' Mohamed cites 'origins and faith' for skipping anti-homophobia match

"Certain deeply rooted values, linked to my origins and my faith, make it difficult for me to take part in this initiative," wrote the 27-year-old Egyptian international in a post on Instagram.

Mohamed said his refusal to take part "expresses neither rejection nor judgement, only a loyalty to what makes me me". "Everyone has their own history, culture and sensibility. Living together also means recognising that this diversity can be expressed in different ways by different people," he added.

"I believe in mutual respect - the respect we owe to others, but also the respect we owe to ourselves and our convictions."

Mohamed has already missed games in the past, which have coincided with French league campaigns against homophobia. In 2023, the striker refused to play in a match against Toulouse when the teams wore shirts with rainbow-coloured numbers on the back. Mohamed's entourage said he faced threats if he played in the game.

On Thursday, Nantes announced the player would be fined for sitting out Saturday's match against already relegated Montpellier. A source close to the eight-time champions said Mohamed's fine would be donated to a charity fighting LGBTQ discrimination.

Nantes need to win at home in their final game of the season to be certain of avoiding relegation. They are two points above the drop zone, although their favourable goal difference means a draw will almost certainly suffice.