The French National Front have hit out against forward Karim Benzema for refusing to sing the French national anthem, 'La Marseillaise'.
The Real Madrid star, who was born in France but is of Algerian descent, recently claimed that he would not be forced to partake in the tradition.
"I love the national team, I don't understand how anyone can question that," Benzema told French radio, according to the Daily Mail. "It's a dream to play for France but nobody can make me sing. I don't see the problem."
The National Front's sporting adviser Eric Domard responded with a statement, which said: "The National Front condemns this insulting attitude that once again sullies the image of the French national team after the fiascos of the team's revolt at World Cup 2010 and the excesses of some players at Euro 2012."
Retired France international Zinedine Zidane also refused to sing the anthem during his career.
Danielle Joynson
