Benetton suspend Ivan Nemer over rotten banana incident

Benetton have suspended prop Ivan Nemer over an incident involving Cherif Traore, who was given a rotten banana during the club's Secret Santa in December.

Traore detailed the incident in a social media post that was subsequently deleted and then republished, revealing that the present from a team-mate drew laughter from other squad members.

Benetton later issued a joint statement with the Italian Rugby Federation condemning the incident and confirming an investigation would take place.

On Friday, Benetton issued a fresh statement to say that 11-times-capped Italy international Nemer, who was born in Argentina, has been banned until the end of June. Nemer waived his right to appeal the judgment and will take part in a training and awareness-raising course on integration issues.

Nemer released his own statement airing his regret at the incident.

"Racism has not and will never play any role in my life, as it should not have in the life of each of us," he said.

"I strongly regret what happened, the stupidity of my gesture, the displeasure caused to a friend, having caused damage to my team, to my teammates, to the country I represent and to the game I love.

"I come from a multicultural country like Argentina, where cultures have been mixed for over a century, and I have always shared the locker room and the field with teammates and friends from all over the world.

"What has happened does not represent me, but at the same time it must make me and make us reflect on how much more needs to be done to change our culture, overcome the most vulgar stereotypes, get closer to each other even more than what already happens.

"I accept the disqualification and the path of reintegration with serenity but above all I trust, in the months and