Montpellier HSC Release Statement Following Racism Allegations Made by Former Player Mary Fowler
Montpellier HSC, the former club of Manchester City and Australian international player Mary Fowler, has released a statement addressing allegations of racism made by the player in her recently published autobiography, "Bloom". The statement comes after Fowler recounted an incident during her time with the French club where she and a teammate, Ashleigh Weerden, were allegedly handed bananas instead of flowers during a farewell presentation.
In her book, Fowler describes how this incident, coupled with other instances of differential treatment, led her to believe she was being singled out. She cited examples such as being disciplined for driving home with Weerden, as well as a club physiotherapist's disbelief regarding a serious chest pain complaint. These experiences contributed to Fowler experiencing depression and self-harm, and even considering leaving professional soccer.
The club's statement, released earlier today, addressed Fowler's claims directly. While it did not explicitly admit to the alleged racist act, it acknowledged the concerns raised and emphasized the club's commitment to inclusivity and equality. The statement read, "Montpellier HSC takes all allegations of discrimination seriously. We are committed to providing a welcoming and respectful environment for all players, staff, and fans. We are currently reviewing the claims made in Ms. Fowler's book and will take appropriate action based on our findings."
The allegations against Montpellier HSC come amid increasing attention on racism within women's football, with several players speaking out about their experiences. In February 2025, Manchester City condemned the racist and misogynistic abuse directed towards their player, Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw, after a Women's Super League game against Arsenal. Shaw was subjected to online abuse, leading the club to report the matter to the police and offer their full support to the player.
Similarly, in December 2024, Manchester City defender Kyle Walker revealed that he had received "vile, racist and threatening" abuse on social media following a Champions League match against Juventus. Walker shared screenshots of the abusive messages on Instagram, prompting Manchester City to release a statement condemning the abuse and offering their support to the player.
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of combating racism in football, both on and off the field. While organizations like Kick It Out continue to work towards eradicating discrimination in the sport, these recent events demonstrate the need for further action and education.
Mary Fowler's disclosure of her experiences at Montpellier HSC serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all athletes. As Montpellier HSC investigates these claims, the football community will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that promotes equality and respect within the sport.
