The images are disconcerting. We are playing the 54th minute of an Espoirs de Fédérale 1 match between US Montmélian (Savoie) and RC Tricastin (Drôme) this Sunday 10 November, when several monkeys scream from the stands. The targeted player? Brahima Koita, third row of the Drôme club traveling to Savoy. The scene takes place as he walks towards the other players, ready to engage in melee.
“I approached the sideline to talk to one of my teammates and I heard monkey noises in my direction,” he told the Parisien-Aujourd’hui on Wednesday. At this moment I feel annoyed, a bit disgusted.” But no one around him reacts.
“I preferred to stay focused on the match so as not to ruin the game because we were ahead, and then talk about it with the staff and management of my club,” he continues. I don’t think the referee heard. There was a lot of noise in the stadium, the sound of the drums… But the other fans heard it too because they came to see me at the end of the match to tell me they supported me. » Learning that the match had been broadcast live on the Savoyard club’s social networks, Brahima Koita rushed to look for the sequence and save it.
Apologies and investigation opened by the Montmélian club
According to him, it was an “adult who started it all” before being visibly taken in by what the player describes as “young teenagers”. “There were five, six people, belonging to groups that had no relationship with each other,” he estimates.
The third line coached by AC Bobigny (Seine-Saint-Denis), who also played for the Limoges and Périgueux clubs, then decided to publish a press release on social media, accompanied by the video extract. In the process, he was contacted by US Montmélian. “They explained to me that they would take steps to find the people,” he explains. A few hours later, the Savoyard club in turn published a press release confirming the opening of an internal investigation in order to “identify and sanction the perpetrator(s) of this incident”. “A severe sanction will be applied by the club”, we assure.
“We would like to express our deep sadness and shame for the unacceptable and racist statements with which a promising player of the Tricastin team was targeted,” it also reads. When contacted, the Savoyard club declared today that it was “very affected by this unpleasant affair which does not correspond to its values and the state of mind shown since then”. (its creation in) 1912.” The investigation is still “ongoing,” we are told.
“This is the first time in my life that I have heard monkeys crying”
«I’ve been playing rugby for ten years (…) and it’s the first time», whispers the player who went to the gendarmerie on Tuesday to file a complaint. That there are somewhat harsh words on the sidelines are things we are used to, but this is the first time in my life that I have heard the cries of monkeys. It’s quite brutal and violent. (…) It is cowardly, cowardly to do something like this, cowardly to make distant noises in the midst of 1,500 people and then hide. I’m a little ashamed, but for them, not for me. »
The 22-year-old quickly received support from numerous figures in the world of rugby. Christian Ambadiang, winger of Castres Olympic and himself a victim of racism during a Pro D2 match in 2021 when he played in Nevers, Sekou Macalou, third row of Stade Français, Jiuta Wainiqolo, winger of RC Toulon or even Yllana Brosseau, French international and Player of Stade Bordelais, sent messages to Brahima Koita.
“It makes me very happy because I have several high-class friends who were disgusted by the video,” he adds. I think about what to say: we have suffered racist insults, It touches you, but when people see the video and listen to it, it touches you even more and makes it even more real. »
Meeting exceptionally this Tuesday, the management committee of his club was informed about the steps to be taken to alert the French Rugby Federation. Brahima Koita “tries to put things in perspective”. “My mother was sad to hear this, my wife, my brothers and sisters were also outraged,” he whispers. They supported me enormously. (…) Well, the complaint has been filed, I no longer have control of the situation, I have done my duty as a citizen. »
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Rugby Expert on Recent Incident in Rugby Match
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss a very troubling incident from a recent rugby match in France. With me is Dr. Alex Moreau, a sports sociologist who specializes in issues of racism and misconduct in sports. Dr. Moreau, can you provide some context on what occurred during the Espoirs de Fédérale 1 match between US Montmélian and RC Tricastin?
Dr. Alex Moreau (AM): Thank you for having me. This incident was indeed shocking. During the match, the player Brahima Koita was subjected to monkey noises from spectators as he approached the sideline to speak with a teammate. This not only undermines the spirit of the game but also highlights ongoing issues of racism within sporting environments.
TNE: Brahima Koita mentioned feeling “annoyed” and “disgusted” by the noise, yet he chose to focus on the game instead of reacting. What does this indicate about the mental resilience athletes need, especially in the face of racism?
AM: It highlights a deeply unfortunate reality for athletes of color. Koita’s decision to stay focused rather than react on the spot shows both his mental resilience and the pressure athletes often feel to maintain professionalism, even in dehumanizing situations. However, this raises concerns about how athletes should handle such incidents and whether they should be forced to carry that burden alone.
TNE: The Montmélian club has since opened an investigation and issued a statement expressing sadness and shame over the incident. Do you think these responses are enough?
AM: While it’s a positive step that the club is taking the matter seriously, words alone are not sufficient. The actions taken to identify and sanction the offenders must be transparent and robust. Real change involves not just a reaction to a single incident but a commitment to ongoing education and awareness within the clubs and among fans.
TNE: Koita expressed that it was the first time he had encountered such blatant racism in his ten years of playing rugby. How prevalent do you think this issue is across other sports?
AM: Unfortunately, racism is not limited to rugby; it permeates many sports. Incidents may go unreported or unnoticed, particularly at lower levels or in youth sports, where supervision may be lacking. This is why conversations about inclusivity, accountability, and respect must be held continuously, not just in reaction to an event.
TNE: In the aftermath, it seems like there was a positive reaction from some fans who supported Koita. How important is fan support in these situations?
AM: Fan support is crucial. It sends a message that racism will not be tolerated and that players have allies in their communities. When fellow supporters rally behind an athlete facing discrimination, it can encourage a safer and more inclusive environment. Champions of change often come from unexpected places, and the responsibility lies with all fans to foster that culture.
TNE: Moving forward, what measures can be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future?
AM: There are several initiatives that can be beneficial. Educational programs that promote diversity, respect, and inclusivity at all levels of sport are essential. Clubs should enforce strict penalties for racist behavior and foster a culture where fans understand their responsibility to speak out against misconduct. Furthermore, ongoing dialogue with players about their experiences can guide meaningful changes.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for your insights today. It’s crucial that we continue this conversation, ensuring that sports remain a space where all individuals can thrive, free from discrimination.
AM: Thank you for addressing this important issue. Engaging in these discussions is the first step toward real change. Let’s hope that we see increased awareness and action in the future.