Karim Benzema’s support for the Palestinians has earned him criticism from certain French political leaders. Gille Verdez, former sports journalist and columnist, denounces “a witch hunt”.
Karim Benzema, the French striker of Al-Ittihad, is once again at the heart of the news. His support for the people of Gaza aroused the indignation of certain French political leaders. In particular, from the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, who accused him of having links with the Muslim Brotherhood. But also from Stéphane Ravier, senator from Eric Zemmour’s party, Reconquête, who requested the forfeiture of French nationality from the 2022 Ballon d’Or, believing that he did not respect the values of the Republic. A request which provoked a strong reaction from Gilles Verdez, columnist for the show Touche pas à mon poste. The former sports journalist considered this request to be “absurd” and “disgusting”.
“With all my respect, what he says about Karim Benzema is totally absurd. Karim Benzema is French, born in France, it is impossible to strip him of his nationality, declared Verdez. You’re talking nonsense, he said indignantly. This is absurd, Mr. Ravier. You took Benzema as the head of a Turk. He has repeatedly demonstrated his love of France with the French jersey and you are targeting him for a purely electoral reason… It’s disgusting what you are doing to Benzema. Frankly, he is a player who has been adored, who people love. »
