40 parents and players of the Élites de Jonquière have sent an open letter asking for the return of former coach Arnaud Dubé, who resigned last Thursday.
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“We do not want to trivialize the actions accused of Arnaud Dubé during the 2021/22 season,” they said.
Recall that the former head coach was the subject of complaints about homophobic remarks last season.
The movement picked up speed on social networks at the end of the week: “Let’s support our coaches: let’s bring Arnaud back.”
In the letter with around forty signatures, the parents and the players defend themselves well against the trivialization of the coach’s gestures last year.
The integrity protection committee imposed a sanction on Arnaud Dubé, a three to five hour training course.
The players of the current issue claim that since the beginning of the season the coach has made amends, not accusing him of any comment or inappropriate gesture.
They denounced his resignation as an injustice.
“We are fortunate to have a coach who is always attentive and shares the values of respect, work ethic and passion with young people aged 15-17.”
“[…] we don’t understand why we are the ones who have to face public judgment when a decision has been made after last year’s trial.
The parents of the players TVA Nouvelles spoke to declined to comment, telling us the letter was eloquent enough.
Arnaud Dubé clarified on Facebook that he had nothing to do with the players’ initiative.
The management of the elites will not react until Wednesday, partly because President Michel Simard is abroad.
The General Manager of the U18 AAA League Yanick Gagné will also be there.
On the phone, he said he wasn’t surprised by the players’ solidarity with their coach. Mr Gagné also informed us that the league had not requested Arnaud Dubé’s resignation and that this issue had been fully managed by the Élites organization.