Football Federation president has backed Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema for International return
France Football Federation president Noel Le Graet is hopeful that Real Madrid‘s Karim Benzema will make his International comeback after Euro 2016.
Graet has assured Benzema will not be punished for his remarks against Les Bleus boss Deschamp, as Real Madrid star accused him of bowing under the pressure of racists.
Football Federation president has backed Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema for International return
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Real Madrid star was dropped from French team, following his alleged involvement in blackmail plot of Mathieu Valbuena’s sex tape scandal, with the decision of the case still pending, Deschamps opted not to choose Benzema for Euro 2016.
“Benzema is suspended. I do not want to kick someone who’s already down. I do not like to punish people. I think missing Euro 2016 is already enough of a punishment for Benzema,” Le Graet told RMC.
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“I have no interest in creating an anti-Benzema atmosphere. I have always held him in high esteem. He must be upset to have missed out on Euro 2016. But I hope he will one day return to the national team. I don’t believe in punishing people for life.
“I have already said before that I think his interview was not very clever and that he owes a lot to Deschamps. France are not to blame on this one.
“We all know there is racism in France, we cannot deny that. There are people out there who are intolerant. But Karim is not in the squad for Euro 2016 because of his ongoing case. Karim has been the most selected player under Deschamps.
“But I would shake Karim’s hand right away. There are sanctions, but it is useless to punish someone twice. He has already had his punishment. The case is ongoing and we will see what happens. He is suspended now, but the coach can do as he pleases after this.”