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Rugby

08th Jul 2024

France international suspended over racist comment

Callum Boyle

The video was originally posted on his Instagram account

Toulon and France star Melvyn Jaminet has been suspended from the national team after he appeared to make a racist mark in a video that surfaced online.

Jaminet was a substitute in France’s win against Argentina on Sunday but will play no further part after a video appeared on his Instagram account in which he is heard making a remark about Arabs.

The video has been deleted but copies of the footage have appeared elsewhere.

A statement from the French Rugby Federation (FFR) has condemned the comments and confirmed that Jaminet has been removed from the squad with immediate effect.

“Such comments are totally unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental values of our sport,” it said.

“An internal investigation is underway to shed light on the making of these extremely serious remarks and take appropriate measures.”

FFR pledges support to diversity, inclusion and secularism

Continuing on in the statement, the FFR added: “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.”

Meanwhile Jaminet has also apologised for his comments.

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.”

France racist

His club side Toulon have also said they are conducting an internal investigation.

He’s made 20 appearances for the French national team.