French rugby star Melvyn Jaminet handed 34-week ban after video of the Toulon full-back making a racist remark circulated on social media

French rugby star Melvyn Jaminet will spend six months on the sidelines after a video of the Toulon full-back making a racist remark went viral on social media.

The 25-year-old shared the clip on his Instagram account after kicking a penalty in France's 28-13 victory over Argentina on July 6.

'I promise, the first Arab I see on the road, I'll headbutt him,' Jaminet said in the video during the French team's tour of the South American country earlier this month.

The full-back apologised for the comments and deleted the post from his account but it has since been widely circulated online. 

Now Jaminet faces a 34-week ban, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) said on Friday after its disciplinary council found that Jaminet had 'undermined the best interests of rugby', the Independent reports.

Eight weeks can be replaced by certain actions, including going into schools 'to promote the values of sport relating to the fight against discrimination' and social media and alcohol awareness. 

The rugby star has also been slapped with a €30,000 (£25,000) fine for the remarks.

Jaminet previously apologised for the video, saying: 'I understand that this may have hurt and offended many people, and I want to make it clear that these comments in no way reflect my values or those of the French rugby team.

'Racism, in all its forms, is unacceptable and goes against everything I believe in.'

Earlier this month, the French Rugby Federation issued a statement condemning his remarks and noting that he had been removed from the tour of Argentina. 

'Such comments are totally unacceptable and are contrary to the fundamental values of our sport.' FFR's statement read.

'As a consequence, Melvyn Jaminet has been removed from and has left the France squad currently in Argentina.

'An internal investigation is ongoing to shine a light on these comments, which are of an extreme seriousness and will take the appropriate measures.

'Rugby is a sport that brings people together and unites, and we must promote these essential values. No discriminatory behaviour of any kind has a place in French rugby.'

Toulon previously backed Jaminet after a disciplinary meeting with the club’s management and said they believed in the possibility of their star's 'redemption'. 

Jaminet has made 20 appearances for Les Bleus since making his senior international debut in 2021.

The Toulon star was part of the side that won France's first Six Nations title in more than a decade in 2022.