58% Support Taking Disciplinary Action Against Idrissa Gueye

Recently, football player Idrissa Gueye, defensive midfielder of PSG, refused to wear a shirt representing anti-homophobia in solidarity with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. Football, like other sports, is irrespective of one’s appearance, race, gender, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs. This is why Gueye’s refusal then raised speculations among football fans and society.

To find out public opinions, Real Research launched a survey on player Idrissa Gueye’s refusal to wear an Anti-Homophobia shirt. The survey aims to know what the public makes of the player’s refusal to wear the shirt.

Highlights

• 68.03% agree with football teams wearing rainbow jerseys in support of LGBT on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
• 59.78% say it is fair to take disciplinary action against Idrissa Gueye as it is compulsory to promote the human rights of LGBT people.
• 68.10% consider the act of wearing a shirt designed to support anti-homophobia as a political act. However, 13.34% do not.

The Majority ‘Agree’ With Football Teams Wearing Jerseys in Support of LGBT

Firstly, respondents were asked about their awareness of all French Football Ligue 1 teams wearing rainbow-colored jerseys in support of LGBT people. The responses suggest that 80.18% are aware, whereas, 19.82% are not.

Next, the survey asks if respondents agree or disagree with the football teams wearing rainbow jerseys supporting LGBT. In light of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, 68.03% agree with the teams wearing rainbow-colored jerseys. 13.90%, however, disagree.

The Majority Feel Disciplinary Action Against Idrissa Gueye Is ‘Fair’

The survey then asks whether it is fair that disciplinary action is taken against PSG football player, Idrissa Gueye. A majority of 59.78% say ‘Fair, participation in this event should compulsory to promote human rights of LGBT people. Whereas, 10.37% say ‘Fair, this event has nothing to do with religious opinions.’ 6.49% also say ‘Fair, if not disciplined, might mean that the club itself leads to the promotion of homophobia.’

A further 5.05% say it is unfair as it is his individual freedom, and we must not interfere with it. Moreover, 2.29% say it is Unfair as Gueye’s religious opinion should be respected. A further 1.28% feel it is unfair as disciplinary action is too excessive.

Accordingly, the survey asks what respondents think about displaying political statements in sports. In response, a majority of 71.74% agree. However, 28.26% disagree.

Respondents on Reasons to Agree with Displaying Political Statements

To elaborate, the survey also asked respondents why they agree with displaying political statements in sports. All 68.83% suggest that people have the right to freedom of expression, this right should not be restricted. Moreover, 13.76% feel that restricting political expression is like sympathizing with inequality and violence.

A further 7.17% say being against discrimination and violence is the spirit of sports. Additionally, 5.19% say there is a precedent for the war to be stopped thanks to the remarks of former footballer Didier Drogba. Lastly, 4.40% suggest that using the influence of sports can help end racism and sex discrimination.

Next, the survey asks why respondents disagree with playing political statements in sports. In reply, 35.06% suggest that no political conflicts should be involved in sports. Whereas, 19.39% say the meaning of sports can change. Further on, 18.77% also suggest that sports should not be used as a means to achieve political goals.

Additionally, 10.48% also say we should not interfere with anyone who wants to enjoy a sporting event as it is. Contrastingly, 5.17% suggest that violent fights can be encouraged during matches when making political statements. Lastly, 4.78% say it may contain hateful or misinformed political statements.