- The 25-year-old posted about France’s 28-13 win against Argentina on July 6
- Actions like visiting schools can replace an eight-week ban
- The full-back has appeared 20 times for the national team, securing a Six Nations title
French rugby player Melvyn Jaminet will be sidelined for six months following the emergence of a viral video in which the Toulon full-back makes a racist comment.
The 25-year-old posted the video to his Instagram following a penalty kick in France’s 28-13 win over Argentina on July 6.
‘I promise, the first Arab I see on the road, I’ll headbutt him,’ Jaminet stated in the footage during the French squad’s visit to South America earlier this month.
Although he has since apologized and removed the video from his account, it has continued to circulate widely online.
As a result, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced on Friday that Jaminet faces a 34-week suspension after its disciplinary council determined that he ‘undermined the best interests of rugby’, as reported by the Independent.
French rugby player Melvyn Jaminet will be sidelined for six months after the video backlash
The 25-year-old shared a clip on Instagram following a penalty kick in France’s victory over Argentina
The eight-week suspension may be reduced through actions such as visiting schools to ‘promote sports values against discrimination’ and raising awareness about social media and alcohol.
Additionally, Jaminet has been fined €30,000 (£25,000) for his comments.
Previously, Jaminet expressed regret for his actions, stating: ‘I understand that my comments may have hurt and offended many, and I want to clarify that they do not reflect my values or those of the French rugby team.’
‘Racism in any form is unacceptable and goes against everything I stand for.’
Earlier this month, the French Rugby Federation released a statement denouncing his remarks and confirmed his removal from the Argentina tour.
The statement from FFR read: ‘Such remarks are entirely unacceptable and contravene the core principles of our sport.’
‘Consequently, Melvyn Jaminet has been removed from the France squad currently in Argentina.’
‘An internal inquiry is underway to address these highly serious comments, and suitable actions will be taken.’
‘Rugby is a sport of unity and inclusiveness, and we must uphold and promote these vital values. There is no room for any form of discrimination within French rugby.’
Jaminet has represented his national team 20 times, including a Six Nations victory
Jaminet later apologized and stated that his words do not reflect his values in an Instagram post
The Toulon club initially supported Jaminet after a disciplinary review, believing in the potential for redemption for their star player.
Jaminet has made 20 appearances for Les Bleus since debuting in 2021.
The Toulon player was part of the team that secured France’s first Six Nations title in over ten years in 2022.
