FILE PHOTO: Newly-appointed French Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Life Gil Averous arrives to attend the first weekly cabinet of the new government at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, September 23, 2024. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo
(Reuters) - French Sports Minister Gil Averous announced on Thursday that Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches might be suspended or halted completely if there are any further incidents of homophobic chants or violence.
This decision follows recent events that have brought increased scrutiny to fan behaviour.
The French football league's governing body (LFP) condemned the homophobic chants that could be heard from the stands when Paris St Germain hosted Strasbourg last Saturday.
"We asked ... the French football federation (FFF) to apply strictly the FIFA protocol: suspension, interruption and definitive stoppage of the match. And we will do it from Sunday," Averous told BFM TV.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced earlier on Thursday that two individuals responsible for initiating homophobic chants during the PSG match have been identified.
PSG won the match 4-2.
(Reporting by Vincent Daheron, writing by Tommy Lund, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
