France suspends Melvyn Jaminet for racist remarks | World News

Melyvn Jaminet apologized in an Instagram story shortly after his suspension was announced.

France have suspended full-back Melvyn Jaminet after he posted a video on social media containing a racist comment.

The 25-year-old, who plays for Toulon, came off the bench during FranceVictory against Argentina on Saturday in Mendoza.

In a video on his Instagram account, the 20-time national player can be heard saying: “I’ll headbutt the first Arab I see.”

Although 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 completely unacceptable and violate the core values ​​of our sport,” it said in a statement.

“An internal investigation is underway to shed light on the background to these extremely serious statements and to take appropriate action.”

The FFR reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion and secularism”.

“Rugby is a sport that brings people together and unites them and we must promote these fundamental values. There is no place for discriminatory behaviour of any kind in French rugby,” it continued.

The decision was welcomed by French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera, who called for “zero tolerance towards racism” in a post on X.

Shortly after his suspension was announced, Jaminet apologized in an Instagram story.

He said: “I understand that this has hurt and offended many people and I want to make it clear that these comments do not reflect my values ​​or those of the French national 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 they “condemn the statements made and distance themselves from them”.

“An internal investigation is ongoing and the club will communicate in more detail at the end,” it said.

The French team is taking part in a summer tour of Argentina.

Jaminet scored a penalty in the opening match on Saturday, which France won 28-13.