France full-back Melvyn Jaminet given 34-week suspension for racist video

France full-back Melvyn Jaminet has been handed a 34-week suspension by the French Rugby Federation after he posted a video of himself making a racist remark earlier this month.

Jaminet put a video on his Instagram story on July 7, which included him making a racist comment about the Arab community.

The 20-times capped Toulon player was immediately suspended and sent home from France’s tour of Argentina before a FFR Disciplinary Council was held on Friday.

It determined Jaminet should be fined 30,000 euros (£25k) and given a suspension of 34 weeks, which can be reduced by eight weeks if he takes part in various prevention actions after the 25-year-old was declared to have “harmed” the best interests of the sport, according to FFR.

“At the end of the FFR Disciplinary Council held today, it was held that Melvyn Jaminet had ‘harmed the best interests of rugby’. Consequently, the following decision was made: a suspension of 34 weeks, applicable from the notification of the full decision,” an FFR statement read.

“Eight of the 34 weeks of suspension may nevertheless be substituted by general interest activities for the benefit of the FFR.

“This decision may be appealed by the player before the Federal Appeals Commission within seven days from the date on which it was notified.”

Jaminet had issued an apology shortly after his suspension on July 7 was announced, saying 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 rugby team.

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