Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has come under fire for his controversial comments before the Spain-France match in the World Cup semi-final. He claimed that the French national football team had "no French players". After that, his remarks have been heavily criticized in both Spain and France. Rajoy made these comments in an opinion piece published in the Spanish online newspaper El Debate. He published the article about Spain's opponent France in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday. The current Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called Rajoy's comments "hateful". In a post on social media, he said that the identity of a country is not determined by someone's surname, place of birth or skin color. Rather, those who love the country and work for it are its people. Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente also strongly criticized Rajoy's remarks. Anger has also been seen in France against these comments. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the comments were “absolutely unacceptable.” Fabien Roussel, the leader of the French Communist Party, called them racist.
Anti-discrimination Minister Aurore Bergeaux said that in sport, a racist comment is a “respectful act.” French Overseas Territories Minister Naima Moussou said that such racist comments only come to light when the French national team is successful.
Meanwhile, the French embassy in Madrid said in a post on social media that 23 of the 26 members of the French team were born in France. The remaining three were born abroad, but they are all French citizens. “Everyone should be judged solely on their talent, not on any other identity.” Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, also condemned Rajoy’s comments, saying they contained “intolerable racist undertones.”
The comments have reignited debates about identity, citizenship and racism in football ahead of the crucial World Cup semi-final.
