France and Toulon fullback Melvyn Jaminet has received a 26-week ban per reports in the French media following a video he posted on his private social media account during France’s tour of Argentina.
In the now-deleted video, Jaminet can be heard saying, “I swear, the first Arab I see on the street… I will headbutt him… I will headbutt him… I say: I will headbutt him… Headbutt, I will…”
Jaminet, who was born in Hyères, which is a 35-minute drive from Toulon, signed a deal with the Top 14 powerhouse that is due to keep him at the club until 2028.
His place at the club has since been thrown into doubt, with the club releasing a statement which said, “Such behaviour is unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental values of our club, rugby and society.”
However, the club added it believed “in the possibility of Melvyn Jaminet’s redemption” and was ready to support him in this process.
For their part the French Rugby Federation released a statement whilst on tour which read, “Such comments are totally unacceptable and are contrary to the fundamental values of our sport.
“As a consequence, Melvyn Jaminet has been removed from and has left the France squad, which is currently in Argentina.
“An internal investigation is ongoing to shine a light on these comments, which are of extreme seriousness and will take the appropriate measures.”
Overall, France’s tour of Argentina, whilst productive on the pitch, was an unmitigated disaster off it with young squad members Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou facing serious allegations of sexual assault for which they were arrested on July 9th in Buenos Aires.
The arrests came just hours after the duo had made their debut for France, and they remain under house arrest until their case is heard.
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