An African star has found himself subjected to widespread criticism at Paris Saint-Germain for refusing to play in an anti-homophobia fixture, with many international colleagues of his having voiced their support for him.

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This past weekend, ex-Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye skipped PSG's 4-0 win over Montpellier in Ligue 1, with manager Mauricio Pochettino explaining the Senegal international was absent for "personal reasons".

The French giants wore a kit that showed solidarity for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, with their kit numbers displaying rainbow colours.

Soon after Pochettino's remarks, it was claimed by several news outlets in France that Gueye did not want to wear the shirt as he is a devout Muslim who does not agree with the message.

Strong backlash was aimed at the 32-year-old as a result, although a number of his Senegal colleagues, including Cheikou Kouyate, Ismaila Sarr and Kalidou Koulibaly, have since voiced their support for their national teammate.

In Kouyate's case, Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira revealed that in-house discussions would be held with him, while Watford responded by insisting the club is committed to equality and diversity, and would be willing to offer further education to any of its employees.

AFP has reported that the French FA's ethics board has launched an inquiry into Gueye's absence and requested that the player apologise if he did indeed miss the game due to not wanting to wear the kit.

Gueye, who missed the same match last season due to "stomach issues", was born in Senegal, where homosexuality is considered illegal.

Click through the gallery below to see 10 footballers who availed themselves for African nations instead of European countries: