Italian international Cherif Traorè (28) was the victim of a gift from Secret Santa in very bad taste last December. The pillar of Guinean origin had thus revealed on social networks that one of his teammates at Benetton in Treviso had offered him rotten bananas as a Christmas present. This case of blatant racism was not taken lightly by the Italian Rugby Federation. It has just published a press release, where it explains that the author of this “gift”, the pillar Ivan Nemer (11 selections with the Squadra Azzurra), is suspended until June 30, both in selection and in the club, after the decision of the Federal Court.
During its investigation into this group meal on December 20 in Treviso, the Italian Federation indicates that it took into account “the always exemplary behavior” hitherto of Ivan Nemer, when establishing his sanction. “The player will actively participate in the FIR Migrants Project as well as a training and awareness-raising course on integration issues,” the statement said.
“I am deeply sorry for what happened, for the stupidity of my gesture”, reacted Ivan Nemer, 24-year-old Italian-Argentine player. “Not only is the gesture shocking, but what hurt me the most was seeing most of my teammates present laughing. As if everything was normal, ”lamented Cherif Traorè last month in an Instagram post.