France full-back Melvyn Jaminet banned for 34 weeks for racist video

French full-back Melvyn Jaminet has been banned for 34 weeks by the French Rugby Federation after posting a video of himself making a racist remark earlier this month.

Jaminet posted a video on his Instagram story on July 7 in which he made, among other things, a racist comment about the Arab community.

The 20-time Toulon international was immediately suspended and sent home from France’s tour of Argentina before an FFR disciplinary committee was convened on Friday.

It ruled that Jaminet should be fined €30,000 (£25,000) and banned for 34 weeks, which can be reduced by eight weeks if he takes part in various preventive measures, after the 25-year-old was accused of “harming” the interests of the sport, according to FFR.

“At the end of the FFR disciplinary council held today, it was found that Melvyn Jaminet had ‘harmed the interests of the sport of rugby’. Consequently, the following decision was taken: a suspension of 34 weeks, effective from the announcement of the full decision,” the FFR said in a statement.

“However, eight of the 34 weeks of suspension can be replaced by activities of general interest for the benefit of the FFR.

“The player may appeal against this decision to the Federal Appeals Commission within seven days of the date of notification.”

Jaminet apologized shortly after his suspension was announced on July 7, writing on Instagram: “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 national rugby team.”

“Racism in any form is unacceptable and goes against everything I believe in.”