The French have disgraced themselves at this World Cup

[Renew Deal]

They've played shabbily on the field, but that happens. The way they've behaved off the field and towards each other is disgraceful. Here's todays version of the French saga:

France continues infighting, refuse to train, director quits

A training ground argument between French captain Patrice Evra and fitness coach Robert Duverne had to be broken up by manager Raymond Domenech. This was followed by the team's refusal to train and the resignation of team director Jean-Louis Valentin on Sunday. This comes a day after the revelation that striker Nicolas Anelka was being sent home early because of his profane words for Domenech and Evra's public assertion that they have a traitor in the team that must be eliminated. The French are in a full-blown meltdown now. Mayhem is upon them.

Valentin's resignation quickly followed the astonishing training ground scene. From the AP:

“It’s a scandal for the French, for the young people here. It’s a scandal for the federation and the French team,” Valentin said. “They don’t want to train. It’s unacceptable.

“As for me, it’s over. I’m leaving the federation. I’m sickened and disgusted,” said Valentin, who walked away from the training field, got into a car and drove off.

After the argument between Evra and Duverne that ended with Duverne throwing his badges to the ground and walking off (UPDATE: France Football reports that the spat began with Evra accusing Duverne of being the traitor), the team boarded their bus (pictured above). Domenech then read a letter from Evra and the players to the press saying that they were boycotting training in support of Anelka, who reportedly announced his international retirement after his dismissal on Saturday.
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http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/blog/dirty-tackle/post/France-continues-infighting-refuse-to-train-di?urn=sow,249880

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pRzbGeeAiU

[a la izquierda]

1. Line of the day:

Go to fuck yourself, you son of a bitch.

I love having Tivo for moments like this (also, I love my ability to understand a thick French accent).

[Mira]

4. My Mom (85) who lives in Germany says to me:

Are you paying attention to the Fussball?
It is so much fun.

[a la izquierda]

5. haha...love it

[oldironside]

2. As an Englishman...

... I'd like to say that this is the most entertaining thing that's happened this World Cup. Keep it up!

[trumad]

3. Actually the way England has played

put's them in a close second..... :P

[NoGOPZone]

6. France disgraced themselves 'qualifying' for the World Cup.

[LisaM]

8. That's the thing!

After FIFA let them in like that, you'd think they'd be on their best behavior.

[HuckleB]

7. Give them a break. They're dealing with two curses.

The curse of the head butt, and the curse of the hand ball.

:evilgrin:

[MrCoffee]

9. I wonder if Laurent Blanc is desperately searching his contract for an escape clause

Poor guy, what a mess to walk into.