France have suspended full-back Melvyn Jaminet after he posted a video on social media making a racist comment.
The 25-year-old, who plays for Toulon, came off the bench during France‘s win against Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday.
In a video posted on his Instagram account, the 20-times capped player is heard saying: “The first Arab I come across, I’ll throw him a headbutt.”
Though the video has since been deleted, copies of it have been shared online.
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) condemned Jaminet’s comments and suspended him with immediate effect.
“Such comments are totally unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental values of our sport,” it said in a statement.
“An internal investigation is under way to shed light on the making of these extremely serious remarks and take appropriate measures.”
The FFR affirmed its “unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion and secularism”.
“Rugby is a sport that brings people together and unites, and we must promote these essential values. No discriminatory behaviour of any kind has a place in French rugby,” it added.
The decision was welcomed by French minister of sports Amelie Oudea-Castera, who called for “zero tolerance against racism” in a post on X.
Jaminet apologised in an Instagram story shortly after his suspension was announced.
He said: “I understand that this has hurt and offended many people, and I want to make it clear that these remarks do not reflect my values or those of the French rugby team.
“Racism in any form is unacceptable and goes against everything I believe in.”
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His club Toulon said in a statement that it “condemns the comments made and dissociates itself from them”.
“An internal investigation is open, and the club will communicate more widely at the end of it,” it added.
The French team are playing in a summer tour of Argentina.
Jaminet kicked a penalty in Saturday’s opening game which France won 28-13.
Source Agencies
