2023-09-04 22:45:07
Couple David Reyrat
Posted yesterday at 6:42 p.m., Updated yesterday at 10:45 p.m.
Bastien Chalureau in tears at a press conference. ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP
The second line of the XV of France, in the grip of a controversy fed by the deputies France Insoumise, appeared before the press on Monday. He tried to contain his emotion under the rolling fire of questions before breaking down and being shaken by tears.
In Rueil-Malmaison
Did you come to the press at the request of Emmanuel Macron, who came to see the XV of France in the middle of the day ?
Bastien Chalureau : I have chosen to come and speak to you to clarify the situation.
Read also Rugby World Cup: “Make us proud and happy”, Emmanuel Macron’s encouragement to the XV of France
And what do you want to say ?
What I can tell you is that, from day one, I confessed my mistakes, I paid my debts with violence and I deny all racist remarks. I am not a racist. Following the altercation I went before the judge, I accepted my sanction, but I totally refute the accusations of racism.
What can you say about the accusations of racism against you?
I can tell you that I am not racist. I deny it from the beginning, I refute these accusations. I made mistakes along the way, I solved my problem with alcohol and I made a big questioning.
Read alsoXV of France: LFI deputies demand the exclusion of Bastien Chalureau
Have you considered leaving the France group with this controversy?
The staff knew my situation, the procedure is old (2020). I wanted to speak in front of you to address all my teammates, my family… (He starts crying). It doesn’t just affect me, it affects my family too. This is why I wanted to appear before you. I am not a racist, I am a unifier. What makes the beauty of sport and rugby is the union of many communities.
What is the reaction of your teammates to this controversy? ?
There is a controversy around my name but it doesn’t affect anyone in the band. We’ve all known each other for a long time. It’s not one more fire that will separate us.
Three days that we only talk about this controversy. How do you live it ?
Justice follows its procedure. I refer to justice. I’m a professional rugby player and I focus on the pitch. With Friday’s game, there’s enough to think about.
Read alsoWorld Cup 2023: “If he must cry, he must cry”, Galthié discusses the controversial Chalureau case with Macron
What state of mind are you in ?
I arrived in the group on an injury to a teammate and a friend. I sent Paul (Willemse) all my support. I feel sorry for him. I come back to the group with the desire to bring all my energy, my fight, to get the Grail together.
Statements taken at a press conference
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