Metz basketball player Loïc Akono has filed a complaint for racist insults, learned France Bleu Lorraine from his lawyer Maître Iochum, this Friday. The facts occurred last Sunday in the anonymity of the National 2 championship, the 4th national level, between Charleville-Mézières and Metz, Akono’s current club.
That day, the former Nanterre player (Pro A), now 35, was insulted by a supporter while he was on the ground. “Get up, bonobo,” the man in the gallery had told him. The leader of the Canonniers de Metz then approached the stands after getting back to his feet as he explained on BeBasket: “I go to them saying: “I am a bonobo? Me, am I a bonobo? “. Faced with this situation, the referee then threatened to send him a technical foul. Akono continued to play before finally leaving the floor and returning to the locker room.
Shortly after, the native of Marcq-en-Barœul, who studied at the BCM then in Boulogne, had posted two messages to explain what he had just experienced. Messages that were quickly relayed and sparked a wave of indignation. Two days later, the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) decided to open a disciplinary file. This Thursday, the FFBB decided to impose behind closed doors for all Charleville matches at home.
For these racist remarks, the penalties incurred can go up to one year in prison and a fine of 15,000 euros and a stadium ban for up to 5 years. In addition, the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Charleville-Mézières opened a preliminary investigation at the beginning of the week of the head of incitement to hatred during a sporting event.