MX23RW : Sunday, November 25 20:07:59

France to wear rainbow laces against Fiji in show of support for Gareth Thomas

France to wear rainbow laces against Fiji in show of support for Gareth Thomas
© Reuters
The former Wales captain was the victim of a homophobic assault in Cardiff last week.

France will wear rainbow laces in Saturday's match against Fiji in Paris as a show of support for Gareth Thomas.

Former Wales captain Thomas was the victim of a homophobic assault in Cardiff last week.

A message of support for the 44-year-old, who played in France for Toulouse from 2004 to 2007, was posted on Twitter by Serge Simon, the vice-president of the French Rugby Federation.

"All of French Rugby is with you regarding the homophobic molestation you've been victim of," Simon said.

"To show our support, the French rugby players will wear a rainbow shoe lace during the France – Fiji game on Saturday night.

"We're all in with you in this matter."

On Sunday Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, posted a video to Twitter in which he thanked the police and the people of Cardiff for their support following the attack.

He also said he had opted to deal with his attacker, a 16-year-old boy, using restorative justice, when a victim talks to the perpetrator about the harm they have caused, "because I thought they could learn more that way than any other way."

Thomas added: "There are a lot of people out there who want to hurt us, but unfortunately for them there are a lot more who want to help us heal, so this I hope will be a positive message."


Click here for more stories about Thomas

Click here for more stories about France

Share this article now:
Gareth Thomas pictured in 2012
Read Next:
Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas victim of homophobic assault in Cardiff
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account