Thought the row over Karim Benzema missing the Euros had blown over? Think again.
It’s a matter of days before France hosts the European Championships and Benzema, one of the host nation’s biggest stars, won’t be getting a kick.
The Real Madrid star was suspended from the national team due to his involvement in an extortion scam over a sex tape involving Mathieu Valbuena.
In an interview with Spanish sports newspaper Marca, Benzema has now taken a swipe at France’s coach, Didier Desschamps, over the decision not to include him in the squad, claiming he has “bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France”.
“I would have liked to play for my country, but unfortunately that’s impossible,” Benzema said. “Missing the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was a setback, but the European Championship at home is even harder. This is one of the biggest disappointments I have had, without a doubt.”
Benzema’s latest comments have already been criticised in France and follow similar comments made by Eric Cantona recently.
The former Manchester United star suggested that the decision not to select Benzema and Nice winger Hatem Ben Arfa may have been related to their race.
“Benzema is a great player. Ben Arfa is a great player,” Cantona told the Guardian. “But Deschamps, he has a really French name. Maybe he is the only one in France to have a truly French name. Nobody in his family mixed with anybody, you know. Like the Mormons in America.”
“So I’m not surprised he used the situation of Benzema not to take him. Especially after Valls said he should not play for France. And Ben Arfa is maybe the best player in France today. But they have some origins. I am allowed to think about that.”
Cantona was pressed on the issue and the Manchester United icon followed up on his opinion that the North African origins of both Benzema and Ben Arfa could have been a motivating factor for Deschamps.
He said: “Maybe no, but maybe yes. Why not? One thing is for sure – Benzema and Ben Arfa are two of the best players in France and will not play the European Championship. And for sure, Benzema and Ben Arfa, their origins are north African. So, the debate is open.”
With reports suggesting that Deschamps is planning to sue Cantona for his comments, it remains to be seen how he will deal with Benzema.
