Karim Benzema has accused France coach Didier Deschamps of bowing to pressure from racists following his exclusion from the Euro 2016 squad.
The Real Madrid attacker was axed from the championships as a result of investigation into allegations of blackmail and extortion of fellow Les Blues star Mathieu Valbuena, who was also left out of the squad.
However, France legend Eric Cantona had suggested Benzema, and Nice playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa had been left out of the squad due to their African heritage.
And Benzema, 28, couldn’t agree more, claiming the coach may have listened to political powers in his squad selection, Goal.com reports.
“He has bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France,” he told Marca.
“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.”
Benzema, who had a prolific campaign with European champions Real, says he’s still open to a France recall.
“In sporting terms, I do not understand why,” Benzema said.
“At the judicial level, I have not been judged. I am not guilty, so we have to wait to see what the justice says.
“I like football and to play with my team.”
