Four Paris St Germain (PSG) players, namely Randal Kolo Muani, Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, and Layvin Kurzawa, have received one-match suspensions as a consequence of their involvement in offensive chants during a recent match.

The incident occurred during PSG’s 4-0 victory over Olympique de Marseille at the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1 on September 24 when PSG supporters were heard engaging in homophobic chants directed at the Marseille team. Both Muani and Hakimi scored goals in that game.

According to French sports daily L’Equipe, PSG players were also seen participating in the offensive chanting. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has now taken action by imposing one-match suspensions on the four players, which will be effective from October 10.

In response to the sanctions, Dembele, Muani, Kurzawa, and Hakimi issued apologies for their behaviour, acknowledging that they allowed themselves to get carried away with the excitement of the victory.

They pledged to be more respectful and serve as better examples in the future. “We are well aware of the impact of our actions and our words on the public, notably the youngest who dream of watching a football match. In the future, we will do everything to further respect our duty to set an example,” they said in a joint statement.

Additionally, PSG will be required to close the Auteuil stand at Parc des Princes for one game due to fans directing homophobic chants at Marseille players.

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Although the stand closure initially carried a two-game penalty, one of those matches is suspended. PSG, while describing the penalty as “excessive,” has decided not to appeal the decision.

In an official statement, the club said, “The club regrets that the Disciplinary Commission has opted for an excessive and collective measure, likely to undermine the work of dialogue and prevention undertaken by the Club with associations, institutions, and fans.”