French socialist quits over black footballers comment
A French politician has quit of the Socialist Party after he was criticised for saying there were too many black players on the national football team.
Georges Freche, of the southern Languedoc-Roussillon region, said today he was withdrawing from the party for three or four months to avoid hurting Socialist Segolene Royal’s chances in upcoming presidential elections.
“I do not want to complicate her fight, which will be very tough,” he said. Royal and rival Nicolas Sarkozy, of the ruling conservative party, are now the front-runners in the April and May vote.
In November, Freche was quoted by Midi Libre newspaper as saying he was ashamed that up to nine of 11 starters on the French team were black.
“It would be normal if there were three or four, that would be a reflection of society,” Freche was quoted as saying. “But if there are so many, it’s because whites are no good. I’m ashamed for this country.”
President Jacques Chirac issued a stern condemnation, and several prominent Socialists demanded that he quit the party.
Winger Florent Malouda, among France’s black players, said at the time that he was deeply upset and angered by Freche’s comments.
