Montpellier FC, the French football club at the center of an explosive racism controversy, has vigorously denied allegations made by Australian player Mary Fowler that she was subjected to racist treatment while playing for the team.
According to Fowler's memoir, Bloom, she and another black teammate received nothing in the form of flowers or gifts when they left the club in 2022, a stark contrast to other departing players who were given bouquets. However, it is reported that Fowler claimed she was later given bananas by a teammate in the dressing room as a gesture of goodwill.
However, Montpellier has responded with outrage and dismissal, stating that they are "shocked" to hear of the allegations, particularly those described as "particularly serious". The club has released a statement in French, condemning what it describes as an "unacceptable oversimplification" of their policies and practices.
Montpellier claims that Fowler's account is misleading and contradicts their own evidence. They claim that two players who were leaving the team at the end of 2022 received flowers as was customary for departing players, contradicting Fowler's assertion that she did not receive any gifts or recognition during her time with the club.
The club also investigated an alleged incident in the dressing room and found no evidence to support Fowler's claims. In a statement, Montpellier reiterated their commitment to combating all forms of discrimination, emphasizing that racism is a serious issue that should never be exploited.
It remains to be seen how this scandal will unfold, with Fowler's allegations sparking widespread debate about racial equality in football.
According to Fowler's memoir, Bloom, she and another black teammate received nothing in the form of flowers or gifts when they left the club in 2022, a stark contrast to other departing players who were given bouquets. However, it is reported that Fowler claimed she was later given bananas by a teammate in the dressing room as a gesture of goodwill.
However, Montpellier has responded with outrage and dismissal, stating that they are "shocked" to hear of the allegations, particularly those described as "particularly serious". The club has released a statement in French, condemning what it describes as an "unacceptable oversimplification" of their policies and practices.
Montpellier claims that Fowler's account is misleading and contradicts their own evidence. They claim that two players who were leaving the team at the end of 2022 received flowers as was customary for departing players, contradicting Fowler's assertion that she did not receive any gifts or recognition during her time with the club.
The club also investigated an alleged incident in the dressing room and found no evidence to support Fowler's claims. In a statement, Montpellier reiterated their commitment to combating all forms of discrimination, emphasizing that racism is a serious issue that should never be exploited.
It remains to be seen how this scandal will unfold, with Fowler's allegations sparking widespread debate about racial equality in football.
montpellier fc really needs to get their act together - it's one thing to investigate and say you don't condone racism but it's a whole different thing to actually take responsibility for your actions or do something to make amends 
if mary fowler is telling the truth (which i'm choosing to believe) then montpellier fc has some serious soul-searching to do 
Montpellier FC is literally dodging the problem and making excuses instead of owning up to it. Like, come on, if you're gonna deny allegations, at least have the decency to apologize properly 
Fowler's story might be a bit sensationalized, but I still think she deserves some respect for speaking out about her experiences 
The fact that Montpellier is using this as an opportunity to lecture everyone else about their "commitment" to combating racism is just laughable 
It's time for these clubs to put their money where their mouth is and actually do something meaningful, not just spin a PR narrative 
... So Montpellier FC is denying all allegations against them and they're like "we're shocked" that Mary Fowler came forward with her story? Like, if you're actually shocked by something that's happened in your club, how come you didn't do anything about it sooner? 
Let's hope Fowler gets some justice and that Montpellier FC takes this seriously, rather than trying to sweep it under the rug 