Brilio.net/en - Looks like even the field may be cleaning up its language. Paris Saint-Germain, the fabled Parisian football team has indefinitely suspended defender Serge Aurier after homophobic slurs that were directed at his coach and fellow teammates.
After conducting a Question and Answer session with his friend Mamadou Doucour, who is also a former reserve player for Lens and Atltico Madrid, the 23-year old Ivory Coast native made some unfavorable comments about Laurent Blanc. He appeared to be describing his coach as a faggot and accused him of favouritism towards Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The player was one of several teammates who demanded a transcript of the interview on Sunday mornings practice.
Even though Aurier moved quickly to apologize publically, PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi swiftly suspended him, thereby ruling the seasons regular out of Tuesdays match in the Champions League against Chelsea. While frustrating, this is better news as some sources are suggesting he wont play for the club anymore this season.
His coach had words of disappointment for the young player, when he stated: How did I react? Very badly. Very badly, he said. Because we think whatever we like this is a democracy and we are free to think about things, have our opinions but that boy Two years ago, I committed myself to bring him to Paris, so to see what I saw yesterday thats the thanks I get? Its pitiful
This isnt the first time Aurier is in hot water over ill chosen words. Last season he went to social media and called the referee who sent his teammate Ibrahimovic off the field as a dirty son of a bitch, to which UEFA subsequently banned him from three matches.
Aurier had issued a videoed apology through the clubs in-house television channel. I made a big mistake, I am here to say sorry to the coach, the club and my team-mates, and to the supporters because they are the most important people, said the player, who has 25 international caps. I want to apologize especially to the coach; I can only thank him for all he has done for me since I arrived in Paris. He wanted me and since I came here everything has gone really well I owe him a lot and that is why I apologize sincerely to him for what was said, which I deeply regret. I will accept any sanction the club impose on me regarding this incident. I made a mistake, it was unforgivable and I am ready to face all the consequences.
The power of words should never be underestimated, especially when theyre meant to hurt. Hopefully Aurier will learn after two unfortunate incidents.