Moroccan International Aboukhlal Refuses To Wear LGBTQ+ Jersey

Moroccan international player Zakaria Aboukhlal refused to take part in the matches of the 35th round of the French League 1 “Ligue1” or wear a jersey carrying promoting homosexuality, tweeted Aboukhlal.
“I have made the decision not to take part in today’s game. First and foremost, I want to emphasize that I hold the highest regard for every individual, regardless of their personal preferences, gender, religion, or background. This is a principle that cannot be emphasized enough,” said Aboukhlal.
“Respect is a value that I hold in great esteem. It extends to others, but it also encompasses respect for my own personal beliefs. Hence, I don’t believe I am the most suitable person to participate in this campaign,” he added.
The Moroccan player hoped that his decision will be respected as he desired to be treated with respect.
According to French RMC radio station, in addition to Aboukhlal, Algerian Farès Chaïbi, Logan Costa from Cape Verde, Malian Moussa Diarra, and Bosnian Saïd Hamulic also refused to participate in the tournament for the same reason.
The players participating in the French League 1 championship will have to wear jerseys with rainbow colors, a symbol of the LGBTQ+ movement.
In this vein, the Professional Footballers Union (UNFP) said, though it respects gay rights, it cannot impose on players how they should behave, and called for stopping the moral harassment of football players.