LGBTQ rights group has called for punishment for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, Idrissa Gueye for refusing to play in their game against Montpellier last Saturday where all Ligue 1 clubs were observing International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, which included rainbow colours for player numbers on the PSG kits.

“Idrissa made the trip to Montpellier, but for personal reasons he had to leave the match sheet; but he wasn’t hurt,” PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino said. 

Gueye’s representatives denied he boycotted the fixture last season but have yet to release a statement on his absence on Saturday.

However, there are claims in French media outlet that Gueye’s absence was indeed because of his refusal to wear a kit featuring the rainbow flag.

Gueye, 32, is Muslim, was born in Senegal where homosexuality is illegal and a large majority of the citizens believe it should not be allowed.

Rouge Direct, a group which fights homophobia in sport, in a statement said “Homophobia is not an opinion but a crime,” it said. “The LFP and PSG must ask Gueye for explanations and very quickly. And sanction him if necessary