BENZEMA: DESCHAMPS HAS BOWED TO RACISTS WITH EURO 2016 SELECTIONS

The Real Madrid star was left out of the competition along with Hatem Ben Arfa, and he echoed Eric Cantona's accusations of discrimination in the squad decisions

France striker Karim Benzema has accused coach Didier Deschamps of bowing to pressure from a racist political party in the nation.

The Real Madrid star was left out of the hosts' Euro 2016 squad, as the French Football Federation cited his need "to work towards unity" pending the outcome of a legal investigation into an alleged plot to blackmail fellow international Mathieu Valbuena, which had seen him suspended from international duty in December.

Eric Cantona had suggested Benzema, and Hatem Ben Arfa, had been left out of the squad due to their African heritage.

Benzema, 28, said he felt coach Deschamps may have listened to political powers in his squad selection.

"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 scored 28 goals for his club this season, is still open to playing for France again.

He said there was no reason for him to be left out, given his performances for the Champions League winners this campaign.

"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."

Goal.

MOURINHO VISITS MAN UTD'S CARRINGTON TRAINING GROUND FOR FIRST TIME

The Portuguese manager was shown around the Carrington facilities and even stayed for lunch in the club canteen, as he prepares to replace Louis van Gaal for the coming season

Jose Mourinho made his first of what will be many trips to Manchester United's training ground on Monday, as he gears up to take the reins at the club. 

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss was spotted at Carrington making his first visit to the Red Devils' facilities, after agreeing to succeed Louis van Gaal last week. 

Goal understands Mourinho spent a total of four hours at the site, accompanied by United transfer supremo Edward Woodward, agent Jorge Mendes and other club staff. 

The Portuguese manager was shown around the Carrington facilities and even stayed for lunch in the club canteen, as he prepares to replace Louis van Gaal for the coming season

Jose Mourinho made his first of what will be many trips to Manchester United's training ground on Monday, as he gears up to take the reins at the club. 

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss was spotted at Carrington making his first visit to the Red Devils' facilities, after agreeing to succeed Louis van Gaal last week. 

Goal understands Mourinho spent a total of four hours at the site, accompanied by United transfer supremo Edward Woodward, agent Jorge Mendes and other club staff. 

The visit included a meeting with Woodward in what will be Mourinho's new office at Carrington, which lasted one hour. 

Among Mourinho's other tasks at the ground was an assessment of the club's training pitch and gym facilities, an area that Van Gaal was notoriously unhappy with upon his arrival in 2014.

He also stayed for a chicken lunch in the Carrington canteen, after a chat with head chef Mike. 

Goal.