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ESPN staff
In a show of support for former Wales captain Gareth Thomas, who was the victim of a hate crime, the France rugby team will wear rainbow shoelaces for their game against Fiji on Sunday night (AEDT).
Vice-President of France Rugby Federation, Serge Simon, announced the news with a tweet on Wednesday, throwing his support behind the first openly gay rugby player.
Dear @gareththomas14,
All of French Rugby is with you regarding the homophobic molestation you’ve been victim of.
To show our support, the French rugby players will wear a rainbow shoe lace during the France – Fidji game on Saturday night.
We’re all in with you in this matter.— Serge Simon (@DrSergeSIMON) November 20, 2018
Thomas described how he was the victim of a hate crime in Cardiff because of his sexuality on Sunday through a tweet. The former British & Irish Lions captain appeared with bruising around his left eye and head.
The former centre thanked police for their help during the incident and for allowing him to collaborate in a process of restorative justice, a form of mediation between a victim and an offender aimed at producing a positive outcome.
— Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) November 18, 2018
“I was the victim in my home city of a hate crime for my sexuality,” he said.
“There are an awful lot of people out there who want to hurt us but unfortunately for them there are a lot more that want to help us heal, so this I hope will be a positive message.”
Police in Cardiff confirmed a 16-year-old boy had admitted assault and was dealt with through restorative justice.