The Daily Aus

Mary Fowler’s racism allegation

Nov 24, 2025
Matildas star Mary Fowler speaks out about alleged racism during her time at Montpellier, claiming incidents such as being handed bananas as a farewell gesture. The club has strongly denied her allegations, raising questions about racism in sports. The conversation spans the broader implications for women's football and mental health, highlighting Fowler's struggles with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. As support pours in from the sporting community, the podcast delves into what this means for the future and upcoming tournaments.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Banana Incident At Montpellier Farewell

  • Mary Fowler recounts leaving Montpellier in 2022 and not receiving flowers at a farewell ceremony.
  • A teammate allegedly handed Fowler and Ashley Weirden bananas, which Fowler connects to racist mockery.
INSIGHT

Bananas As A Racist Gesture Have Deep Roots

  • The banana gesture has a long, ugly history as a racist taunt in football dating back decades.
  • Recent incidents, like the 2022 throw at Richarlison, show the gesture persists in modern football.
INSIGHT

Montpellier's Firm Denial And Potential Legal Response

  • Montpellier has strongly denied Fowler's account and says there's no supporting evidence.
  • The club claims it would have acted if incidents were reported and hints at possible legal options.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app