METZ, France (AP) — The French basketball federation has opened a disciplinary case after a Black player was reportedly targeted by a racist insult during a lower-league game.
Metz point guard Loic Akono said he was called a “bonobo” by a fan during a game at Charleville-Mezieres over the weekend. Bonobos are similar to chimpanzees.
Akono left the court before the end of the third quarter after the referee threatened to charge him with a technical foul if he kept arguing with the crowd.
The French federation said Tuesday it has opened a disciplinary case, noting its “zero tolerance” policy toward “incivilities, violence and unsportsmanlike behavior during official basketball games.”
Metz plays in the fourth division.
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