Karim Benzema accuses Didier Deschamps of ‘bowing to racist pressure’ by not picking him in France’s 23-man Euro 2016 squad
Real Madrid striker believes his absence is down to the popularity of the politically far-right National Front group
KARIM BENZEMA has accused Didier Deschamps of bowing to racist pressure by not picking him in France’s Euro 2016 squad.
The Real Madrid ace has echoed Eric Cantona by questioning whether his Algerian heritage counted against him when France’s head coach picked the 23 names for the European Championships in his home country.
“He has to know that in France the extremist party reached the second round in the last two elections.
“I do not know, therefore, whether it is a decision only for Didier because I’ve gotten along with him, with the president, everyone.
“I would have liked to play for my country, but unfortunately that’s impossible.
“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.”
Manchester United and French legend Cantona last week said Deschamps had left out Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa — who has Tunisian roots — because of their North African heritage.
Deschamps has since refused to comment but his lawyer has hit back at Cantona with the threat of legal action.
France’s far-right National Front group — led by Marie Le Pen — have enjoyed increased support in recent years, particularly since the Paris attacks.
And Benzema believes that his absence from the Euros is as a result of pressure on Deschamps and Noel Le Graet, president of the French Football Federation.
Benzema added: “I do not know if this decision was only down to Didier, because I get along with him, with the president and everyone.”
The Real striker was suspended from international duty in December over an investigation into an alleged attempt from a friend to blackmail France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.
France’s top scorer faces up to five years in jail over accusations he encouraged Valbuena to pay the blackmailers.
But he was cleared to play at the Euros after legal restrictions were lifted which stopped the duo playing on the same team — only for Deschamps to leave him out anyway.
Benzema added: “They said I cannot be selected, fine. But on a sporting level, I don’t understand why.
“At a legal level, I am still innocent until proven guilty. They should wait until the justice system has made its decision.
“The only person who knows what happened in this affair, who knows the truth, is Valbuena.
“He played a role, he has not told the truth. I wanted to help him, nothing more, and the whole thing blew up in my face.”
Thierry Braillard, France’s junior minister for sports, said on Twitter that Benzema’s statement is “unjustified and unacceptable. Total support to FFF and Didier Deschamps.”
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls and other politicians have opposed any return while the sex-tape inquiry goes on.