France Euro 2016: Olivier Giroud says he is being booed because Karim Benzema wasn't selected by Didier Deschamps
Giroud was jeered by sections of the French fans despite scoring in Monday's win over Cameroon
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Your support makes all the difference.Olivier Giroud believes he is being booed by his own fans because of Karim Benzema’s absence from the France squad for the Euro 2016 Championships.
Benzema was left out of the France squad after being questioned by police last November in connection to an alleged blackmail attempt against his international team-mate, Mathieu Valbuena, over a sex tape.
The Real Madrid forward has spoken this week to hit out at France head coach Didier Deschamps, while he also made controversial remarks regarding the manager’s selection policy in claiming he is “bowing to racist pressure” for not selecting any players of North African origin in his original squad.
Despite scoring an impressive volley in Monday night’s 3-2 victory over Cameroon, Giroud was jeered by sections of his own supporters. The France international has also been criticised by Arsenal fans this season after going 15 matches without a goal, but the 29-year-old believes the criticism aimed at him is due to Benzema not being selected by Deschamps.
Giroud also backed Deschamps in making his decision not to select Benzema, and when asked whether the Real striker’s omission had triggered the fan’s ire, Giroud answered: “Yes, we must not pretend that it isn't.
“I am... we are with Dede (Andre-Pierre Gignac) those who will be targeted.”
However, having been jeered when he missed a number of chances during the match against Serbia last September, and seeing Arsenal fans turn on him at times this season, Giroud said he can deal with the criticism because he has gone through much tougher times.
“You know that I have gone through stages in my career that have been quite complicated, so these things don't hurt me much, but it is true that it is a shame,” said Giroud.
“Being French, playing in France, if we miss a chance we want the fans to encourage us.
“They are also there for that. Especially as I scored a goal with my only shot. So I do not understand it much but what was important was that we won, and that I continue that personal run of scoring.”
Deschamps was quick to support Giroud, who volleyed home a beautiful assist from Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.
“You hear what you want,” Deschamps said. “The whistles were unfair tonight, but in Biarritz, he was applauded. People can be conditioned.
“But Olivier scored again. When you say it, you are not helpful. You are free to say what you want but this is not necessarily the truth.”
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