French Club Montpellier Rejects Mary Fowler’s Racism Claims, Considers Legal Action

Montpellier, a French football club, has firmly denied allegations of racism made by former player Mary Fowler in her memoir, “Bloom.” Fowler, who is now with Manchester City, claimed that a teammate presented her and Dutch teammate Ashleigh Weerden with bananas as a farewell gift in 2022, following a team presentation where other departing players received flowers. She described the gesture as racially charged and referred to it as “the cherry on top” of her negative experience at the club.

In response, Montpellier expressed “astonishment” at the accusations and highlighted the lack of evidence supporting Fowler’s claims. The club clarified that the tradition of giving flowers was limited to players whose contracts were expiring, which did not apply to Fowler and Weerden, who were under contract until June 2023. An internal investigation into the dressing room incident found no corroborative evidence for Fowler’s account.

Montpellier emphasized its commitment to combating discrimination and stated that had any substantiated incident occurred, appropriate actions would have taken place immediately. The club voiced concern over the serious implications of the allegations and their potential impact on its reputation, hinting at possible legal actions to address what it views as defamation.

This incident has ignited a broader discussion regarding racism in sports, with varied reactions from fans and commentators. It highlights ongoing challenges in addressing such issues and stresses the necessity for thorough investigations and effective communication among all involved parties. Montpellier reaffirmed its dedication to fighting racism in all forms, underscoring the importance of a zero-tolerance approach toward discrimination in sports.