AssetID: 55848084
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Former Spanish PM Faces Racism Backlash Over France Team Comments
Caption: Former Spanish PM Faces Racism Backlash Over France Team Comments. Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has been accused of racism after claiming France's national football team "does not have any French players.” Rajoy made the remarks in a newspaper column ahead of Spain's World Cup semi-final against France, despite acknowledging the team's success. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the comments, saying a country's identity should not be judged by surname, birthplace or skin colour. Sánchez added that Spain belongs to people who love and contribute to the country, not those making xenophobic statements. France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called Rajoy's remarks "completely unacceptable," saying France is a diverse nation where everyone belongs. French Socialist leader Olivier Faure stressed that France's national team is made up entirely of French citizens. French Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel also condemned Rajoy, comparing his comments to a recent racist attack on Kylian Mbappé. Rajoy’s remarks have sparked a political row in both Spain and France ahead of the World Cup semi-final. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Mariano Rajoy,France,Spain,Pedro Sánchez,French football team,World Cup,racism,Laurent Nuñez,Olivier Faure,Kylian Mbappé
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