Karim Benzema 'has no place' in France team - PM Manuel Valls
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema "has no place" in
the France team, according to French Prime Minister
Manuel Valls.
Benzema is being investigated over a blackmail plot
involving team-mate Mathieu Valbuena but denies
wrongdoing.
The 27 year old, who has scored 27 international goals, faces
charges of conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion
scam over a sex tape.
"A great athlete should be exemplary. If he is not, he has no
place in the France team," Valls told French radio.
"There are so many kids, so many youngsters in our suburbs
that relate to great athletes. They wear the blue jersey, the
colours of France, which are so important in these
moments."
Benzema is considered one of France's key players as they
prepare to host the Euro 2016 tournament in June, but
neither he nor Valbuena were selected in the squad for the
recent friendly matches with Germany and England.
Last month, after the French anthem was played at the
Bernabeu in a tribute to victims of the Paris attacks, he
ignited a wave of criticism on social media for spitting on the
pitch.
That prompted his lawyers to release a statement in which
they condemned "the scandalous interpretation" of the
incident.
Benzema had posted several messages in support of the
victims in the days that followed the attacks.
Real boss Rafael Benitez said Benzema is a key part of his
side, despite not starting the last two games against Eibar in
La Liga and Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
"I consider him a fundamental player for us. On a personal
level I have said before that he is a great guy and he has our
support," said Benitez.
"He is a key player for us because he is a reference up front
and makes those around him play even better."
Former France international striker Djibril Cisse, who was
himself interviewed by police investigating the alleged
blackmailing incident, says it should be left to the authorities
to decide if action is to be taken against Benzema.
"For the moment he's being investigated but he hasn't been
judged and hasn't been found guilty," said Cisse.
"Give him the benefit of the doubt, the time to explain and
let justice run its course.
"Like a lot of French people, I'm waiting to see what he has
to say. But I'm not here to savage him and I leave it to the
law and the police to decide."
the France team, according to French Prime Minister
Manuel Valls.
Benzema is being investigated over a blackmail plot
involving team-mate Mathieu Valbuena but denies
wrongdoing.
The 27 year old, who has scored 27 international goals, faces
charges of conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion
scam over a sex tape.
"A great athlete should be exemplary. If he is not, he has no
place in the France team," Valls told French radio.
"There are so many kids, so many youngsters in our suburbs
that relate to great athletes. They wear the blue jersey, the
colours of France, which are so important in these
moments."
Benzema is considered one of France's key players as they
prepare to host the Euro 2016 tournament in June, but
neither he nor Valbuena were selected in the squad for the
recent friendly matches with Germany and England.
Last month, after the French anthem was played at the
Bernabeu in a tribute to victims of the Paris attacks, he
ignited a wave of criticism on social media for spitting on the
pitch.
That prompted his lawyers to release a statement in which
they condemned "the scandalous interpretation" of the
incident.
Benzema had posted several messages in support of the
victims in the days that followed the attacks.
Real boss Rafael Benitez said Benzema is a key part of his
side, despite not starting the last two games against Eibar in
La Liga and Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
"I consider him a fundamental player for us. On a personal
level I have said before that he is a great guy and he has our
support," said Benitez.
"He is a key player for us because he is a reference up front
and makes those around him play even better."
Former France international striker Djibril Cisse, who was
himself interviewed by police investigating the alleged
blackmailing incident, says it should be left to the authorities
to decide if action is to be taken against Benzema.
"For the moment he's being investigated but he hasn't been
judged and hasn't been found guilty," said Cisse.
"Give him the benefit of the doubt, the time to explain and
let justice run its course.
"Like a lot of French people, I'm waiting to see what he has
to say. But I'm not here to savage him and I leave it to the
law and the police to decide."
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