Italian Cherif Traore accepts apology after receiving ‘racist’ gift from Secret Santa

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Italian prop Cherif Traore has accepted an apology from his Benetton teammates after being handed a rotten banana during club Secret Santa.

Traore detailed the incident in a social media post that was later deleted and then reposted, revealing that the gift from an anonymous colleague made other team members laugh.

The United Rugby Championship club initially issued a statement condemning racism but made no mention of an investigation in response to Traores’ shocking revelation.

Italian prop Cherif Traore has accepted an apology from his Benetton teammates after being handed a rotten banana during club Secret Santa. Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

However, all Benetton players were called to the training ground on Wednesday afternoon where they apologized to the Guinea-born 28-year-old and were addressed by club chairman Amerino Zatta.

“The meeting was an opportunity to discuss and understand how what one of my teammates did during the Christmas gift exchange was purely the result of idiocy and nothing else,” said Traore.

“I appreciate and accept his apologies and those of the whole team. I’m happy with the gesture and I’m sure what happened will make the group even stronger.

“We are a family and as such we will continue to engage on and off the pitch, fighting, as we have always done, against all forms of discrimination.”

Benettons Cherif Traor received a banana for Secret Santa. Photo: INPHO/Ryan Hiscott

Traore, who emigrated to Italy from West Africa aged seven and won 16 caps in Italy, revealed he was hurt by the reaction of his teammates when he opened his present.

Zatta condemned an incident that caused a blackout.

“I’m glad Cherif accepted the apology, understanding the absurd stupidity of one of his teammates,” Zatta said.

“I’m sure it will strengthen the feeling of cohesion within the group and that such a gesture will never happen again in our family.”

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