The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has taken significant action following the racist remarks made by Melvyn Jaminet, a back for the French national rugby team. The FFR president, Florian Grill, announced on Tuesday that a report had been submitted to the public prosecutor on July 12 to investigate the making of these 'extremely serious comments' in a video posted on social networks after the first test match against the Argentine Pumas on July 6 in Mendoza.
In the controversial video, Jaminet, visibly angry and possibly intoxicated, declared, 'My daronne (my mother) who asks me if I had a party. I swear to you, the first Arab I meet on the road I'll give him a helmet.' The video was posted on Instagram but was quickly deleted. Following the video's circulation, the French Rugby Federation condemned the remarks as 'totally unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental values of our sport.' Jaminet was sidelined with immediate effect and left the French team, with an internal investigation underway to determine appropriate measures.
On July 7, Jaminet posted an apology on his Instagram account, expressing that he was 'deeply sorry and ashamed' of his comments. The Toulon club, where Jaminet plays, also condemned his remarks and announced an internal investigation. Jaminet is expected at the RC Toulon headquarters for an interview on Friday, which could lead to sanctions.
This incident occurred amidst other controversies involving the French rugby team, including the indictment of Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou for aggravated rape during the same tour in Argentina. Despite these distractions, the FFR has maintained a firm stance on Jaminet's case. Florian Grill emphasized 'zero tolerance' for such behavior, noting that the player was dismissed and referred to the prosecutor.
Jaminet's future with the French national team remains uncertain. Fabien Galthié, head coach of the French team, expressed his personal shock and indicated that the decision to expel Jaminet was collegial and federal. Galthié refrained from speculating on Jaminet's future with the team, stating that disciplinary commissions at both the Federation and his club would need to convene first.
The situation at RC Toulon is equally uncertain. Jaminet is scheduled to meet with the club's management for a pre-sanction interview on Friday. The club's sporting director, Laurent Emmanuelli, has already taken a firm stance on the player's actions, and around twenty young people from Toulon visited the club's training center seeking explanations and condemning Jaminet's behavior.
- The French Rugby Federation is working closely with the National Rugby League (LNR) on this matter. Both organizations are committed to upholding the integrity and values of the sport, and they have referred the case to the FFR disciplinary committee.
- The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and has brought attention to the broader issue of racism in sports. Rugby, known for its values of respect and solidarity, faces a crucial moment in addressing these challenges and ensuring that such behavior is not tolerated.
- The outcome of the investigations and the disciplinary actions taken by both the FFR and RC Toulon will be closely watched. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect, both on and off the field.
