Melvyn Jaminet suspended for 26 weeks

French full-back Melvyn Jaminet appeared before the FFR disciplinary committee this morning. Melvyn was being tried for posting a racist video on social media during the French team’s tour of Argentina. According to Midi Olympique, Melvyn Jaminet is now suspended for twenty-six weeks by the French rugby body.

Heard for over an hour by President Michel Jacomet and his assessors, the Toulon player calmly presented his arguments with the assistance of his lawyer, Mr. Brusa. He reiterated that the video in question was meant for a Maghrebi friend who had playfully teased him about a post-match celebration, within a private context.

Despite this explanation, the disciplinary committee chose to impose a stringent penalty. As a result, Melvyn Jaminet is facing the same sanction that Ludovic Radosavljevic received two years ago. For context, Radosavljevic, who made racist comments about Nevers winger Christian Ambadiang, was also suspended for 26 weeks by the National Rugby League's disciplinary committee.

Currently, Melvyn Jaminet remains part of the Toulon squad, with the club recently expressing its intention to "support" him in his "redemption." However, he will be unable to play until January due to the suspension. As of now, Jaminet and his management have not decided whether to appeal the decision, which, while severe, did not extend to dismissal.