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Melvyn Jaminet handed huge suspension and fine by France
By Josh Raisey
Melvyn Jaminet has been suspended for 26 weeks by the French Rugby Federation for his racist video shared on social media.
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After appearing before a disciplinary committee on Friday, the 25-year-old has learned his fate by being banned for half a year.
The suspension was originally 36 weeks, but it can be reduced by eight weeks should he partake in activities to benefit the FFR.
In the video shared by the France and Toulon fullback, he 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…”
He was immediately sent home by France during their tour of Argentina, with the FFR releasing a statement saying: “The French Rugby Federation (FFR) strongly condemns the comments made by Melvyn Jaminet in a recent video posted on social media. Such comments are totally unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental values of our sport.”
According to a Midi Olympique report, Jaminet, accompanied by his lawyer Carlo Alberto Brusa, claimed the video was not supposed to go public. Rather, it was intended for a private circle of friends and “a Maghrebi friend who had just teased him about a post-match party.”
Jaminet is still yet to hear where his future lies with Toulon, with the Top 14 club expected to tear up his contract, which runs until 2028, amid protests outside their training base.
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Should Toulon decide to keep hold of the former Toulouse No.15, he will be unavailable until January.
The FFR statement announcing the decision reads (translated by Google): “On July 7 during the tour of the XV of France in Argentina, Melvyn Jaminet broadcast a video on social networks with extremely serious comments.
“The same day, the French Rugby Federation condemned in the strongest terms the comments made and removed them with immediate effect.
“On July 12, the Federation also contacted the Disciplinary Council of the FFR, an independent sovereign commission, and made a report to the Public Prosecutor, in compliance with the obligations of its public service mission.
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“At the end of the FFR Disciplinary Council held today, it was held 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.
“8 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:
“6 prevention actions relating to the dangers linked to alcohol and social networks for a public identified by the FFR such as the French junior teams or trainees from training centres.
“6 actions promoting the values of sport relating to the fight against discrimination among rugby schools.
“Furthermore, 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 7 days from the date on which it was notified.”
