The Japan Times - Montpellier deny 'racism' allegations in Fowler's book

In a book released this week, "Bloom", the 22-year-old addressed her unhappiness in southern France and claimed a teammate at Montpellier gave her and another black player bananas as a farewell gift.

The Australian, who left the club in 2022 and now plays for Manchester City, said the team held a presentation after their final home game of the 2021/22 season at which flowers were handed out to departing players.

But she said neither she nor her friend, Dutch winger Ashleigh Weerden, were mentioned at the ceremony.

"Afterwards, when we got inside the changing room, some of our teammates questioned why we hadn't received any flowers. We shrugged our shoulders, just as clueless as they were," she wrote.

"A few of the girls laughed about it and then one of the other players came over and handed my friend and me some bananas, saying, 'Here, have these.' That was the cherry on top."

Montpellier, who sold their women's team in October, responded on Thursday, saying they were "astonished to discover yesterday (Wednesday)" the "accusations made by Mary Fowler in her autobiography".

The club explained that only two players received flowers because their contracts were ending, which was not the case for Fowler and Weerden.

"It would therefore have been rather tactless for the club to offer a 'leaving gift'," Montpellier explained.

They also denied "the events that allegedly took place behind closed doors in the dressing room after the match", relating to the bananas.

"After consulting with those present on the day, there is no evidence to corroborate her claims or even to identify the alleged perpetrator," the club said.

Montpellier added that in light of the "allegations", they would make it "a point of honour not to let defamation prevail over the truth" and, if necessary, would use "all legal means" to achieve this.

"The subject of racism is a serious one that cannot be exploited," Montpellier said.

K.Yamaguchi--JT