Macron and the Minister of Sports “a separate match” in the stands
Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
“Everyone is behind the blues to win! Never forgetting that sport unites us, above all, in respect and friendship between our two peoples”, President Emmanuel Macron encouraged on Wednesday, December 14, during the France-Morocco semi-final (2-0).
WORLD CUP – Despite the controversy, President Emmanuel Macron and the Minister of Sports traveled to Qatar this Wednesday, December 14, to attend the France-Morocco semi-final (2-0). The President of the Republic, who participated in the stands of the “Al-Bayt” stadium, emphasized that “ respect and friendship, Despite a dominant French victory, the two rival nations should prevail.
“Everyone is behind the blues to win! »– the head of state wrote on his Twitter account. “Never forgetting, sport unites us above all in respect and friendship between our two peoples”he added.
All behind the Blues for the win! Not forgetting that sport brings us together above all else… https://t.co/fCtmlCRSPc
—Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron)
Emmanuel Macron also posted a video of himself singing Marseillaise on social networks. He is seen there in the stands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and French Football Federation President Noel Le Graet.
https://t.co/J9sIwV42mc
—Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron)
The president, who appeared to be in good spirits, released a second video of the giant World Cup trophy enthroned in the middle of the pitch before kick-off: ‘Are we bringing it back? “. After the Blues’ victory, he discreetly tweeted three French flags.
Bring him back? https://t.co/1PPA15dqfs
—Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron)
Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera also announced her visit on social media minutes before kick-off. “We are delighted to be involved in this FIFA World Cup match between this wonderful Moroccan team and our Blues team, who continue to shine ever more! »– wrote the former director of the French Tennis Federation.
A joy to be involved in this half of #FRAMAR between the Blues and this wonderful team from Morocco who never stop shining… https://t.co/BHyzt6qCt2
— Amelie Oudea-Castera (@AOC1978)
“I hope it will be a special match, special emotion, fair play on the pitch and whatever happens at the end, a great party”, he added. In the photos shared by him, we can see him together with the former British David Beckham.
A meeting full of history and symbols
France-Morocco in the World Cup semi-final is both a historical sporting poster and a meeting steeped in history and symbols 66 years after the end of the French protectorate in the Maghreb country. Hundreds of thousands of dual citizens live in France, and many of them confirm their support for the two options.
On the far right, several voices have pointed the finger at rallies following Morocco’s victories in recent days – sometimes beyond occasional flooding. Eric Zemmour condemned the Franco-Moroccans who supported Morocco, thinking that we could not be behind two teams at the same time.
An opinion that is not shared by the main interested party in this semi-final, such as Jamel Debbouze, a bi-national humorist who dressed himself as half-French, half-Moroccan. “Binationality is not schizophrenia, but a combination of wealth. It’s an ‘and’, it’s not opposed.”as well as French-Moroccan Secretary of State for Youth Sarah El Hayrinin emphasized.
See also The HuffPost:
