Sports

Moroccan media accuses France of witch-hunting its player over LGBTQ+ stance

Published

2 years ago

May 16, 2023

The Moroccan media has accused French football authorities of witch-hunting players from the North African country following an LGBTQ+ scandal involving Zakaria Aboukhlal and his Ligue 1 club, Toulouse FC.

Aboukhlal had gotten into the bad books of the club after his refusal to wear the Rainbow pride-themed jersey during a Toulouse FC game as part of commemorating the LGBTQ+ day.

Aboukhlal’s stance had drawn the wrath of the club’s management which ordered him to train separately while a section of the media labelled the Moroccan player a “misogynist.”

The French media was also said to have written extensive narratives about Aboukhlal, all campaigning against him and calling for his sack from the club.

According to a prominent Moroccan media outlet, a French sports journal, RMC Sport had Monday claimed the Moroccan forward had a confrontation with Toulouse’s Deputy Mayor in charge of Sports, Laurence Arribage.

“As with the incident involving the deputy mayor, RMC Sport has tried to extract a character assassination story out of a group of Toulouse FC players’ decision not to wear a jersey that is part of the French club’s initiative to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.

“This was despite the fact that, as news of the pride-themed jersey made the rounds, Aboukhlal had clarified his decision in response to rumors and criticism, stressing that his action had nothing to do with any feeling of rejection or hatred of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Aboukhlal himself has said that he held the highest regard for every individual, regardless of their personal preferences, gender, religion or background, noting that this is a principle that cannot be emphasized enough.”

The Moroccan media also cited the recent case of PSG defender, Achraf Hakimi who is currently under investigation for allegedly raping a French woman.

“The French media have also tried to establish a link between Aboukhlal and recent sexual misconduct reports concerning his compatriot and Atlas Lions teammate Achraf Hakimi. For these commenters, both Moroccans players are innocent and are only being targeted because of their nationality and religion,” the platform said.

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

19 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”