Saint-Thomas Basket Le Havre has been fined 2,000 euros, including 1,000 euros suspended, by the National Basketball League disciplinary commission following an incident involving a homophobic sign displayed in the stands during a September 6 preseason tournament game, BeBasket reported.
The Preseason Tournament Match at Salle Lucien Nolent
The fixture at Salle Lucien Nolent in Le Havre was meant to be a straightforward preseason test between Champagne Basket and Caen. Instead, referees halted play during the September 6 encounter after a spectator raised a sign bearing homophobic language in the tribunes. Officials paused the match until arena security and staff had the banner removed from the seating area. On the court, Champagne Basket secured a 100-81 victory, but the game’s aftermath shifted the focus from the final score to stadium conduct and league regulations.
Disciplinary Action by the LNB Legal Commission
Following the disruption, the league’s Legal, Disciplinary and Regulations Commission reviewed the case. The body applied Article 247 of the LNB regulations, which holds home clubs strictly liable for incidents occurring within their sporting enclosure and facilities, as well as for the conduct of spectators and general organizational shortcomings. The ruling resulted in a 2,000-euro fine, half of which is suspended. The sanction arrives as STB Le Havre prepares for its return to the LNB competitive fold this season.
Club Response and Policy Commitments
STB Le Havre released an official statement acknowledging the sanction and confirming it intends to draw lessons from the penalty. Club president Rudy Sévi addressed the incident directly in the club’s communication. “The Saint Thomas Basket Le Havre condemns without reserve this message,” Sévi stated, emphasizing that using sexual orientation to disparage others goes against the spirit of sport and the core values of respect, inclusion, and shared passion that the club defends. The organization announced plans to tighten instructions for staff and volunteers regarding how to spot, report, and swiftly halt discriminatory messaging at all events, including friendlies.
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