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Bastareaud cited for apparent homophobic slur

14 Jan 2018

Toulon centre Mathieu Bastareaud

Mathieu Bastareaud could be handed a lengthy ban for an apparent homophobic slur aimed at Benetton Treviso’s Sebastian Negri during Toulon’s European Champions Cup win on Sunday.

The France centre appeared to call Negri a “f***ing f****t” in the closing stages of the Top 14 side’s 36-0 victory at Stade Mayol after taking exception to something the lock said to him.

Bastareaud – who faces a potential suspension ranging from six weeks to a year if found guilty of verbally abusing Negri, ruling him out of at least the beginning of the Six Nations – claimed he was provoked by Negri.

However, he has since expressed his remorse for comments he made to his opponent.

He tweeted: “Good evening everybody, I want to apologise for my response to the insults of the Italian Player.

“I reacted badly in responding to his provocation, I am sincerely sorry for the people I hurt.”

A citing complaint was made against Bastareaud and European Professional Club Rugby will review the incident.

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The last time wasn’t a sabbatical, BB was actually off contract, but quickly re-signed with NZR for the next season when Mo’unga decided to head to Japan. But yes, I’m pretty sure he’s had at least two other sabbaticals, but I’ve lost count. I remember he went to the US on a non-playing holiday sabbatical for one of them a long while back. No rugby but it was good for his Instagram following.

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JW 26 minutes ago

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JW 28 minutes ago

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