Nemanja Matić (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Nemanja Matić drew attention after covering up an anti-homophobia symbol on his jersey during Lyon’s final league match, prompting discussion across French media.
Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matić made headlines over the weekend after he covered up a rainbow-colored anti-homophobia symbol during Lyon’s 2-0 win over Angers in the final round of the French Ligue 1 season.
Matić, 36, entered the match in the 70th minute, replacing Tanner Tessmann. While all players were required to wear a symbol supporting the league’s anti-homophobia campaign, Matić appeared with a white cloth covering his jersey’s patch.
The gesture was widely reported by French media and follows another recent incident involving Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed, who refused to play altogether due to the campaign, later explaining his decision on social media.
This is not the first time Matić has chosen to opt out of symbolic gestures. During his time in the Premier League, he refused to wear the poppy emblem used to honor victims of World War I, stating that it reminded him of the 1999 NATO bombings of Serbia, which he experienced as a child.
While Matić did not comment publicly after Saturday’s match, his decision reignites debate over the balance between campaign messaging and individual beliefs in professional football. The Ligue 1 campaign is part of a broader initiative seen across many European leagues promoting inclusion and anti-discrimination.
On the pitch, the match was significant for Lyon as Alexandre Lacazette bid farewell to the club, scoring both goals in a celebratory performance. Matić, who joined Lyon this season, still has one year remaining on his contract.