Italian Rugby Team Suspends Player Who Gave Black Teammate a Rotten Banana as a Secret Santa Gift

The Italian rugby team Benetton has suspended the player responsible for giving their Black, Guinea-born teammate Cherif Traorè a rotten banana as a Secret Santa gift.

Traorè took to Instagram and wrote, “Christmas is coming and as is traditional in a team, it’s Secret Santa time. A friendly and playful moment. A moment where you can give anonymous gifts to your mates, even ironic ones. Yesterday, when it was my turn, I found a banana inside my present. A rotten banana, inside a wet bag. Apart from calling the gesture offensive, what hurt me most and seeing most of my mates present laughing. As if everything is normal…

I’m used to it, or I’ve had to get used to it, having to put a brave face on whenever I hear racist jokes in order to try not to hate the people close to me. Yesterday was different though. Thankfully, some friends, especially foreigners, tried to support me. Outside Italy a gesture like this is severely condemned…

I’ve been up all night. Young guys from different backgrounds attended this Secret Santa. I have decided not to remain silent this time to ensure that episodes like this don’t happen again to prevent other people finding themselves in my current situation in the future. And hoping the sender will learn a lesson....”

Benetton had initially been criticized for their response, or lack their of, to the racist incident. But the team has now publicly condemned the actions and has suspended the player responsible while an investigation is underway.

Several players in other European rugby leagues have voiced support for Traorè and the need for accountability.