Lucas Chevalier, the 24-year-old goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain, already regularly criticized since his arrival this summer for performances that haven’t met expectations, found himself embroiled in controversy yesterday. It all started with a “like” on an Instagram post in which the vice-president of the Republicans, Julien Aubert, indicated that he would support the National Rally in a match against the New Popular Front. That night, the goalkeeper responded on social media with a lengthy message.
“I saw what was being said about me the previous evening, regarding the fact that I liked a politically motivated Instagram post, which I obviously don’t share,” Lucas Chevalier wrote in an Instagram story that read like a statement. “I’m not trying to convince you, but it’s disheartening to know that by scrolling and unknowingly liking a post, and then waking up from your nap to prepare for the match, you find out your image has been completely tarnished by an accidental action. It pisses me off.”
I’m not here to air my education or political views, because I’m first and foremost a footballer. But anyone who knows me is well aware of the strong values and respect instilled in me by my parents and family, and that I would never dream of thinking such things.
But the damage is done, and things have been said about me. You tried to portray me as a fascist, and it’s not you you’re targeting, but my entire family. I would never play the victim, but the line has been crossed, and by a long shot.”
We’re not here to talk politics, so we won’t comment on that aspect. But the fact is that some fans were very upset by this “like” expressing such a strong opinion. Ideally, everyone has the right to express themselves. But there are some positions that can be unsettling or shocking, and that’s understandable. Therefore, a reaction from Chevalier was necessary.
His explanation of an unintentional “like” may or may not convince, but at least the goalkeeper tried to quell the controversy and restore calm. It’s also possible that this situation was unsettling for him during the match, since he became aware of it beforehand. This doesn’t explain or excuse everything, but it’s something to consider. Players are human beings. Chevalier at least took the time to write a long message; it’s up to each individual to form their own opinion afterward.
