France and Toulon full-back Melvyn Jaminet has been slapped with a huge ban by the French Rugby Federation (FFR).
The 25-year-old was in South America with France when he posted a video to his Instagram page, which quickly went viral.
He was subsequently sent back to France with both the FFR and Toulon launching investigations into the incident.
The FFR have since revealed the result of the disciplinary action with the full-back banned for 34 weeks – with eight weeks of the suspension including doing ‘activities of general interest for the benefit of the FFR’.
In the video, Jaminet was heard saying: “My Daronne (the player’s mother) asks me if I’ve been partying… (he breathes out) I swear, the first Arab I see on the street… I’ll hit him with my helmet… I’ll hit him with my helmet… I say: I’ll hit him with my helmet… With my helmet, I hit him…”
Jaminet has been banned after it was deemed that he had ‘undermined the best interests of rugby’ in the video and along with his ban, he has been fined 30,000 euros.
“At the end of the FFR Disciplinary Council which was held today, it was felt that Melvyn Jaminet had ‘undermined the best interests of rugby’. Consequently, the following decision was taken: a suspension for a period of 34 weeks, applying from notification of the full decision,” the FFR statement read.
“Eight of the 34 weeks of suspension may nevertheless be replaced by activities of general interest for the benefit of the FFR.
“These consist of carrying out:
– Six prevention actions relating to the dangers linked to alcohol and social networks for a public identified by the FFR such as the French youth teams or trainees from training centers;
– Six actions to promote the values of sport relating to the fight against discrimination among rugby schools.
In addition, the player will have to pay a financial penalty of 30,000 euros.
“This decision may be appealed by the player to the Federal Appeal Commission within seven days from the date on which it was notified.”
He is set to remain at Toulon and serve out his ban with the Top 14 club.
2024-07-26T14:38:12Z dg43tfdfdgfd