The PSG star came under fire after refusing to participate in his side’s Ligue 1 match against Montpellier due to his Islamic beliefs.
President of Senegal Macky Sall has supported Idrissa Gueye amid massive criticism from LGBT rights activists.
Gueye refused to participate in Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 match against Montpellier on Saturday.
The two sides wore rainbow-coloured jerseys to increase awareness of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
However, the Senegalese star refused to wear his side’s kit and missed the game. His action met heavy criticism from LGBT groups but has triggered a supportive response from Senegal’s President.
“I support Idrissa Gana Gueye. His religious convictions must be respected,” President Sall tweeted.
Gueye was part of the Senegal squad that won the nation’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations trophy earlier this year.
Despite support from his homeland, Gueye has received huge backlash from French media.
A French association targeting homophobia in sport, called Rouge Direct, demanded the Senegalese should explain himself for boycotting the game.
“Homophobia is not an opinion, but a crime. LFP (Ligue de Football Professionnel) and PSG must ask Gana Gueye to explain himself and very quickly. And punish him if necessary,” they wrote on social media.
PSG are yet to make an official statement over the incident.
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