Tuesday 16 January 2018 19:27, UK
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) have confirmed they are investigating Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal for comments he made in relation to Mathieu Bastareaud's alleged homophobic abuse of a Benetton player.
Bastareaud is alleged to have directed homophobic abuse towards Sebastian Negri after he clashed with the Benetton player during Toulon's 36-0 victory in the European Champions Cup.
EPCR have already opened an investigation into the alleged comments by Bastareaud, but Boudjellal was quoted by rugbyrama.fr as saying: "At no point did Mathieu Bastareaud make a judgement on the sexual orientation of the player in question.
"I am worried. What I fear is the Mormon side of EPCR with the Welsh and the Irish."
Boudjellal went on to say he was not homophobic but admitted to using the same language that Bastareaud is alleged to used towards Negri.
A statement from EPCR said: "EPCR is currently carrying out an investigation into comments attributed to the president of Toulon, Mourad Boudjellal.
"The comments in question were published on 14 January 2018 in an article on the website rugbyrama.fr regarding the alleged verbal abuse by Mathieu Bastareaud of a Benetton player during the Champions Cup match between Toulon and Benetton at Stade Félix Mayol.
"If EPCR considers the reported comments amount to misconduct under its disciplinary rules, it may bring a disciplinary charge against Mr Boudjellal.
"No further communication will be issued in relation to this matter until the investigation has concluded."
Bastareaud posted on Twitter following the Benetton game, saying: "I want to apologise for my response to the insults of the Italian player. I reacted badly in responding to his provocation. I am sincerely sorry for the people I hurt."
Toulon conclude the pool stages of the Champions Cup against Scarlets on Saturday, live on Sky Sports from 5pm.
