Lilian Thuram has launched a scathing attack on the France squad following their actions at the World Cup.
Former France international wants troublemakers to be punished
Lilian Thuram has launched a scathing attack on the France squad following their actions at the World Cup.
The former France international, who is his country's all-time leading appearance maker with 142 caps, feels the extraordinary events which unfolded in South Africa this summer need to be addressed.
France's bid for global glory was undermined by a rift between the players and Raymond Domenech's management team, with Nicolas Anelka sent home in disgrace and the rest of the squad refusing to train as a result.
Thuram fears the distracting episode may have done irreconcilable damage to the national side and their standing in the eyes of the rest of the world.
As a result, and as a current member of the French Football Federation (FFF) council, the 1998 World Cup winner wants to see drastic action taken against the ringleaders responsible for dragging France's 2010 campaign into chaos - especially captain Patrice Evra and playmaker Franck Ribery.
Thuram told
L'Equipe: "When you are captain you have a precise role. The chairman of the FFF and other members of the FFF asked Anelka to apologise for his actions and he refused.
Consequences
"Evra knew the player refused but still backed the strike which changed the image of France around the world and could have lasting consequences for French society.
"To me it is very serious as their actions have revived racism in our society. Some people now think the problems are linked to the fact that there are too many black players in the French team.
"The Federation have received complaints, letters, torn up membership cards and racist abuse. To me, what has happened is unforgivable.
"You can't sanction everybody the same, like Gael Clichy or Marc Planus, but the captain and Franck Ribery must face action.
"Laurent Blanc (new national coach) is the right man to take on the job but only the French Federation can restore the moral code.
"If we don't see strong sanctions handed out, there will be no moral to this story. Then, how could we ask the U21 squad to behave well, or anybody else?"
