France Responds to Rajoy's Remarks on National Football Team
In a recent statement that has sparked considerable backlash, French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez deemed former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's comments about the French national football team as "absolutely unacceptable." Rajoy, in a column published in the digital newspaper El Debate, suggested that while France's football team is of "high caliber," it does not include any French players. This assertion has drawn ire from various French officials, including Minister Nuñez, who sharply criticized the statement during an interview on BMF TV.
Nuñez emphasized that Rajoy's remarks do not accurately reflect the reality of France, a nation characterized by its diversity and inclusiveness. He stated, "If that statement is indeed accurate, it is absolutely unacceptable. It does not reflect at all what France is." Highlighting the multicultural fabric of the nation, he noted that France is a republic where everyone should find their place, and such comments do not inspire hope among young citizens living in various neighborhoods.
Furthermore, the French Embassy in Spain issued a statement clarifying that of the 26 players on the national team, 23 were born in France, reinforcing the idea that all players represent the nation. The Embassy added that the three players born outside the country are also French nationals. This response seeks to address the misconception implied by Rajoy's comments, affirming the players' national identity.
Political Reactions and Calls for Action
In addition to Nuñez, Aurore Bergé, the Minister Delegate for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination, expressed her pride in the French national team. She described the repeated racist remarks as "intolerable" and called for an end to such attacks, advocating for sports to be judged solely on talent and not on any other criteria. Bergé urged the French Football Federation to take all necessary legal actions against Rajoy's statements, indicating that such racist sentiments resurface with every victory of the national team, which she described as a methodical and banalized hatred towards France.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also weighed in on the controversy, stating that Rajoy’s xenophobic comments embarrass Spain. He asserted, "Spain belongs to those who love it and work for it, not to those who shame it with xenophobic statements." Sánchez emphasized that nationality should not be measured by surname, birthplace, or skin color but by one's commitment to the country. He concluded his remarks with a nod to the upcoming semifinal match against France, wishing for the best team to win while denouncing racism.
As reported by lavozdegalicia.es.
