French football club Montpellier has issued a firm denial against racism allegations made by Australian international Mary Fowler, describing the claims as 'particularly serious' and stating they found no evidence to support her account of a dressing room incident involving bananas.
The Allegations and Club Response
In her recently published memoir Bloom, Fowler detailed an incident from 2022 when she claims she and another Black teammate were treated differently from departing players. While other players received flowers upon leaving the club, Fowler alleges she and her teammate received nothing, and were subsequently given bananas by a teammate in the dressing room.
Montpellier responded with an official statement expressing shock at the accusations, stating: 'The resulting oversimplification, which portrays the club as a racist entity, is unacceptable.' The club provided what it described as an 'unambiguous' account of the events in question.
Montpellier's Version of Events
The club clarified that on June 1, 2022, their women's team played their final home match against Bordeaux. According to established custom, only two players whose contracts had expired and were definitively leaving received bouquets of flowers.
Montpellier emphasised that neither Fowler nor her teammate were in this category, as both remained under contract until June 30, 2023. The club suggested it would have been 'rather insensitive' to offer them farewell gifts when they were still officially part of the team.
However, Fowler countered this in her book, writing: 'It was quite well known that we would be leaving. It wasn't a secret that we weren't happy there, so if anything it would've shocked people if we had re-signed.'
Investigation Findings and Ongoing Commitment
Montpellier confirmed they had conducted an internal investigation into the alleged dressing room incident. After consulting with individuals present that day, the club stated they found no evidence to corroborate Fowler's claims about receiving bananas.
'Had such incidents been reported and substantiated, the club would have taken all necessary measures immediately upon being notified,' the statement read.
The French club concluded by reaffirming their stance against discrimination: 'Racism is a serious issue that cannot be exploited. The club wishes to reiterate its ongoing commitment to combating all forms of discrimination.'
The controversy emerges as Fowler continues her international career with the Matildas, recently participating in the Paris Olympics, while Montpellier seeks to protect its reputation against what it considers unfounded allegations.
