Toulouse hit back at Le Havre head coach Didier Digard over racism allegations aimed at Aron Dönnum

Le Havre head coach Didier Digard has denounced an “intolerable” gesture from Toulouse winger towards Le Havre’s Simon Ebonog. In the dying minutes of the goalless draw between Le Havre and Toulouse, Donnüm and Ebonog clashed and the former was seen waving his hand in front of his nose, directly looking at his Cameroonian opponent. The referee booked Ebonog, but not Donnüm, over the incident. Digard reported the incident to the fourth referee, and he also received a booking in the process.

“What is the interpretation here? If we say it wasn’t racism, then what is it? Just telling my player that he stinks? Can we say things like that when we’re just there to play football? Isn’t that demeaning, humiliating, hurtful?“, asked Digard on Ligue 1+. “I can’t interpret someone else’s thoughts. But at the very least, this is humiliating for my player. If we don’t punish things like this, we have a problem.” 

Donnüm categorically denied any wrongdoing with Ebonog. “It has nothing to do with racism. I don’t understand why they say that. It’s very uncomfortable having to explain this. I don’t know what to say. I feel sad.“

Later in the evening, Toulouse released a statement, vehemently condemning Digard for his “baseless and very serious” allegations. “Nothing can justify such allegations, which damage the integrity of the player and the image of our club.” Toulouse add that they would reserve the right to take any necessary action to defend their player.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval