A turbulent end to the year for Hérault football. On December 15, a Departmental 2 meeting between US Villeveyrac and AS Celleneuve was stopped amid racist insults. As Midi Libre reports, it all started with a goal denied to the local club in the 30th minute. Furious at the referee’s decision, some supporters then took the ASC captain, Kévin Salvador, to task. “They called me a Kirikou, a kahlouche (black), and a dirty monkey,” the Martinican explained to the regional daily. “It’s the first time it’s gone this far. I’ve been insulted before but never to this extent. I can’t get rid of the moment in my head when I was called a little monkey.”
In a press release, the local club “categorically denied any racist remarks emanating from its players or supporters”. “US Villeveyrac and its leaders defend fundamental values such as living together, sharing and mutual respect. We firmly condemn any form of discrimination, whether racist, homophobic, sexist, or otherwise, whether on a football field or in any other circumstance We do not tolerate any behavior that goes against these principles and we are committed to actively combating such attitudes,” writes the USV on social networks.
Complaints filed against
The club reaffirmed that it is “taking all necessary measures to defend itself against these accusations” to ensure that “this type of incident is treated with the seriousness it deserves. We have complete confidence in our football governing bodies and we expect from them a rigorous investigation and clarification of these events.”
The captain of AS Celleneuve, as well as several of his teammates, filed a complaint with the Mèze gendarmerie for “racist insults” on the day of the match. Contacted by Midi Libre, the Hérault district was alerted to this matter and announced that the case was being investigated. A verdict is expected within “two to three weeks”.
Original article published on RMC Sport
Belgium
