PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) extended its lead at the top of Ligue 1 with a commanding 3-1 victory against Lyon on Sunday, albeit with the match marred by homophobic chants from the home fans.
The match, held at the Parc des Princes, showcased PSG's strength, putting them seven points clear at the summit. They got off to an explosive start, with goals from Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha from the penalty spot, sending them 2-0 up within just 14 minutes.
Georges Mikautadze breathed life back for Lyon just before the halftime whistle, pulling one back with a deft finish after receiving a sublime pass from Rayan Cherki. PSG, now holding the lead, looked efficient as they controlled much of the second half, with Gonzalo Ramos cementing the 3-1 result by scoring just two minutes before the full-time whistle.
Despite the scoreline, the match was briefly interrupted when the referee, Benoît Bastien, halted play in the 53rd minute after homophobic chanting echoed from the PSG stands. This interruption sparked significant concern, as referee Bastien faced pressing decisions under French football’s recent stringent regulations against discriminatory behavior.
Achraf Hakimi, PSG's captain, took it upon himself to appeal to the supporters, urging them to stop the chants for fear the match could be significantly impacted. “The match could be stopped or even lost for the club,” read the message displayed on the massive screens at the stadium, reminding fans of the prohibition against discriminatory remarks.
The stoppage drew attention to the troubling issue of homophobic abuse prevalent in many football stadiums across Europe, particularly as PSG has faced scrutiny on these grounds before. Earlier instances of chants targeting opposing teams’ supporters have raised alarms, and this game proved no different.
This incident coincided with France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau’s proposals to suspend matches instantaneously whenever homophobic slurs are directed at players or officials, signifying the increasing urgency for action.
The league's efforts to combat this issue date back to 2019, introducing systems enabling fans to report instances of homophobic, sexist, or racist behavior witnessed during matches. Despite steps taken, incidents have reportedly intensified, emphasizing the need for systemic change within the sport.
PSG's victory maintained their remarkable record this season, marking their 11th win with four draws, and leaving them with no losses to date. Meanwhile, Lyon found themselves stewing with both the defeat and their dwindling chances of competing for European spots, now trailing the third-placed Monaco by five points.
The ease with which PSG took control early on has been indicative of their form under coach Luis Enrique. He has seamlessly integrated new talent following the departures of some fan-favorite stars. Dembélé’s goal, for example, arrived after Desire Doue made brilliant strides down the pitch and delivered the perfect cross. Vitinha’s successful penalty was awarded after Tolisso’s clumsy challenge, showcasing PSG's attacking talent and tactical discipline.
While Lyon showed signs of recovery thanks to Mikautadze’s goal, they could not stem the tide against one of the league's finest teams. Cherki, who displayed flashes of brilliance with his assist, has come under scrutiny due to Lyon’s financial woes, which could force the club to part with its promising talents.
This match not only highlighted PSG's growing dominance this season but also raised pressing questions about the continuation of the disturbing norms surrounding fan behavior and the overarching need for action against discrimination within the sport.
The league's office is under pressure to take firmer stances against such behavior to avoid diminishing the sport’s integrity and ensuring the safety and inclusivity of every fan regardless of their identity.
Finally, as the dust settles from this encounter, PSG remains focused on their quest to capture their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title this season, underlining their determination to reclaim their dominance following recent roster changes.
