France: Politician expelled in racism row

France’s Socialist Party today expelled politician Georges Freche after he was criticised for saying there were too many black players on the national football team, party officials said.

In November, Freche, of the southern Languedoc-Roussillon region, was quoted by Midi Libre newspaper as saying he was ashamed that up to nine of 11 starters on the French team were black.

“It would be normal if there were three or four, that would be a reflection of society,” Freche was quoted as saying. “But if there are so many, it’s because whites are no good. I’m ashamed for this country.”

President Jacques Chirac issued a stern condemnation, and several prominent Socialists, including the party’s presidential candidate, Segolene Royal, demanded that he quit the party.

Speaking last week on Canal Plus television, Royal called Freche’s remarks “unacceptable and humiliating” and said she hoped the party’s national conflict commission would expel him.