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Hours before the highly anticipated match between OL and PSG at Groupama Stadium, Lucas Chevalier found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy. The issue stemmed from a simple like on Instagram related to the Rassemblement National. Screenshots quickly circulated, leading to a wave of criticism and accusations against him. The Parisian goalkeeper, who was signed this summer for €40 million, swiftly removed the like, but the damage was already done, sparking intense reactions on social media. In a particularly tense political climate, this act, interpreted as a sign of sympathy for the far right, triggered immediate outrage, especially among left-leaning Parisian fans. The public support shown by Eric Ciotti, a far-right MP known for controversies, did not help Chevalier’s case.

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The backlash on social media was immediate. Messages flooded X and Instagram, with some fans calling for a boycott of the player, while others demanded his departure from the club and the return of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Angry insults were directed at him, and several members of the Collectif Ultras Paris, who are deeply committed to anti-racist values, expressed their discontent. PSG, aware of the sensitivity of the situation, tried to defuse the issue, focusing instead on the upcoming match against OL. However, the controversy overshadowed the sporting stakes and threatened to disrupt the locker room. In a multicultural team like PSG, where cohesion relies on diversity and mutual respect, any ambiguity around such topics becomes explosive.

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Chevalier reacts in the early hours

This incident has occurred at a particularly unfortunate time for Lucas Chevalier. Already facing criticism for inconsistent performances since his arrival, the former LOSC keeper is struggling to win over the Parisian public. His difficult adaptation is now compounded by a climate of distrust fueled by social media. Some observers remind us that a like does not necessarily indicate political alignment, as it could be an innocent or careless act. Others view it as a symptom of an era where every click is a public act, and even a minor misstep can tarnish a reputation. In response to the fierce accusations and widespread backlash, Chevalier chose to speak out on Instagram around 4 AM: “I saw what has been said about me liking a politically-oriented post, which I do not share, of course. I’m not trying to convince you, but it’s disheartening to know that scrolling and accidentally liking a post can tarnish your image because of an unintentional action. It bothers me. The damage is done, and things have been said about me. You tried to label me as a fascist, and it’s not just me you targeted, but my entire family.

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The situation is especially tricky as Chevalier is now among those called up for the French national team during every international break, a status that demands he remain above reproach. In a lengthy Instagram story, he expressed how deeply affected he was by the judgments against him, stating: “I will never play the victim, but the lines have been crossed, and by a long way. Moreover, some people use this to criticize my poor sporting performances, even though they lack knowledge of the goalkeeper position. It’s always the same ones, and they seem to enjoy it. Anyway. I want to apologize for the discomfort caused, as I am the one involved. I have always tried to be a good person in everyday life and on the pitch, and I will continue to do so. I don’t often speak out, but this was necessary today because the world we live in tends to go off the rails. I never thought I would have to explain this completely absurd situation on social media.” Through his words, Chevalier attempts to heal an open wound, balancing a defense of his integrity with a desire for peace. It remains to be seen whether this apology will be enough to quell the controversy and allow him to regain focus.

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