Benetton also suspended a player for the duration of the probe as a “precautionary” measure, the club said in taking action a day after CherifTraore aired his frustrations on social media.
Traore, a 28-year-old prop who was born in Guinea, described the anonymous gift from a Secret Santa event as an “offensive gesture” that later prompted apologies from teammates.
The United Rugby Championship earlier on Friday called for Benetton to take “meaningful action.” Benetton is one of two Italian clubs that play in the 16-team competition.
Benetton and the federation then published a joint statement announcing the suspension and the investigation.
Traore also plays for the Italian national team and made two appearances in this year’s Six Nations tournament. He said he had lost sleep over the incident.
Benetton was the subject of widespread criticism for its initial response. The club held a team meeting during which teammates apologised to Traore. The club then announced that Traore accepted the apologies before it posted a video message from Traore on its Twitter account.
What happened to Cherif Traorè was completely unacceptable. Noticeable on my timeline that it’s mostly black players calling it out. Should be on us all
Mortified at what happened to Traore this week. At worst, it was an evil despicable act - at best, it was crass stupidity and exceptionally distasteful. Traore might feel like it's water under the bridge, but I can't help but feel heartbroken for him. Very sad week all round.
Truly abhorrent. Cherif Traore says he was given a "rotten banana" by a team-mate in the Benetton secret Santa, to the amusement of several other players.
Benetton have not yet detailed any investigation/action taken. If this isn't grounds for dismissal, I don't know what is... https://t.co/5600jpSUc8
If whoever did this to Traore isn’t sacked by the New Year, it simply isn’t good enough. How are you supposed to play in a team alongside someone who treats you like this? https://t.co/QtudMedR9spic.twitter.com/28SAdaBAFm
