Ivan Nemer, prop for Benetton Rugby, 11 appearances for the national team, was disqualified until 30 June 2023 for the episode of the rotten banana given to teammate Cherif Traoré during a Christmas lunch.
This was decided by the court of the Italian Rugby Federation, after a plea deal in which Nemer's participation in a training and awareness course is also foreseen.
"Racism has not and will never have any role in my life, just as it shouldn't have in the life of any of us - said Nemer - I regret the stupidity of my gesture, what happened does not represent me".