Montpellier has rejected Mary Fowler’s allegation that she experienced racism during her time at the French football club.
The Matildas star has alleged that other players at the club handed her bananas instead of flowers as a farewell gift in 2022.
The allegation was made in her recently-published memoir, ‘Bloom’.
Context
Fowler moved to France and joined Montpellier at the age of 17 in 2020. She then spent three seasons at the club.
The Matildas star now plays for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League.
In ‘Bloom’, Fowler wrote that she and Black teammate Ashleigh Weerden were the only two players who didn’t receive flowers at a ceremony for players leaving the club.
Fowler wrote that back in the change rooms, “one of the other players came over and handed [Weerden] and me some bananas, saying, ‘Here, have these’.”
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The club released a statement that says there is no evidence to support her account, saying she was under contract at the club until 2023.
It said: “Had such incidents been reported and substantiated, the club would have taken all necessary measures immediately upon being notified. Racism is a serious issue”.
Mental health
Fowler’s memoir also details her mental health struggles.
The 22-year-old wrote about periods of self-harm and suicidal ideation as a teenage athlete overseas.
Earlier this week, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro called Fowler’s honesty “courageous,” saying it highlighted the pressure elite athletes face.
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