Members of the French national rugby team have come out in support of former Welsh player Gareth Thomas, who was last week the target of a homophobic attack in his hometown of Cardiff, Wales.
In a gesture of solidarity, French players will wear rainbow laces during their Test match against Fiji in Paris this weekend. The sign of support was shared by team captain Serge Simon, who tweeted that "all of French Rugby is with you".
“To show our support, the French rugby players will wear rainbow laces during the France – Fiji game on Saturday night," he added.
“We’re all in with you in this matter.”
Clearly moved, Thomas replied with a thank you message for the French rugby team and his broader community: “After the physical scars have healed, I feel I have to say an unbelievable THANK YOU from me and all in the LGBT community for the support I have received," he wrote. "Truly humbled"
He continued: “My mental scars will stay with me for some time, but will drive me to fight even more for a world where acceptance of everyone is normal.
“To the French rugby federation, merci. The players wearing rainbow laces in solidarity is an immense sign of inclusion.”
At Thomas' request, the 16-year-old perpetrator of his attack was not charged, instead receiving 'restorative justice'.
In a statement, South Wales Police said: "Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions."
The statement explained: "Restorative justice is about putting victim needs at the centre of the criminal justice system, finding positive solutions to crime and encouraging young people to be accountable for the consequences of their actions."
