How Africa News
A White athlete for Italy’s national rugby team was suspended until the end of the season on Friday after he gave a rotten banana to a Black teammate. The rotten banana was given to Cherif Traoré by Ivan Nemer, who also plays for Benetton, during the team’s secret Santa gift exchange event in December, according to The Associated Press.
Following the incident, Traoré, who is originally from Guinea, took to social media to express his displeasure with what occurred. He was also irritated by his teammates’ laughter after Nemer gave him the rotten banana. His teammates were later told to apologize to him.
Even though the incident occurred last year, it wasn’t until Friday that the Italian Rugby Federation revealed who gave Traoré the rotten banana: Nemer. The suspension of the White rugby player is in effect until June 30. Nemer has also given up his right to appeal.
“Racism has never had and will never have any role in my life, as it should never have in the life of each of us,” Nemer, who was born in Argentina, said. “I regret deeply what happened, the stupidity of my gesture, the upset it caused to a friend, the fact that I caused damage to my team, to my teammates, to the country I represent and the game I love.”
Besides the suspension, Nemer has also been ordered to partake in a training and awareness program. His performance in the program will determine if he’ll be recalled to the national team.
