Lillian Thuram Calls For Lifetime Patrice Evra Ban

July 2nd, 2010 | by: chris |

lilian-thuram The World Cup only shows up every four years, but at least it leaves with enough drama to fill the gap in between.

One of those on the docket will be France’s complete and utter collapse, with opinions raining in from all corners. Lillian Thuram is one of those opinions, and as France’s most capped player in history and one of the sport’s more respected athletes off the pitch, you listen.

So long as you’re not Patrice Evra.

“I demanded that the players be harshly punished and that Evra never returns to the France squad,” said Thuram.

“When you are captain of the France team, you must have a responsibility to the jersey and the people.

“When the players shut themselves in the bus, and the fact that it was the coach who read the statement, that showed that the coach was no longer respected.

“In any group there are leaders and people who follow, and others who do not agree and do not dare say no.”

One of the most shocking things of this World Cup for me remains Evra simply not defending against Mexico, allowing attackers to casually run by, with French World Cup lives in the balance.

But a lifetime banishment seems a bit harsh, even disregarding his quality. It’s not his fault he’s clearly ill-suited to lead but was still put in a position to do so. That one’s on Domenech – just like the whole damn thing.

(It’s also an easy call to make with Gael Clichy sitting backup.)

Keep up with all the backlash from the French implosion at France World Cup Blog

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http://sevilla.theoffside.com/ SevillaOffside_Joshua

C'mon Chris, while Domenech was a horrible coach, the players have to accept some responsibility for France's poor performance. Their inability to put aside their egos and respect the shirt and country they play for was as much of a disgrace as Domenech's inability to lead. The fact is, Evra was not only a poor leader, but lead one of the most disgraceful stunts in World Cup history, by having his team refuse to train. By doing so, the players refused to put aside their petty differences with the FFF leadership and perform to their best for the fans of their country. For that, those that led the boycott shouldn't be allowed to wear the French shirt again. They don't deserve that honor. I agree with Thuram, and it's about time someone starting blaming the players as well as Domenech.
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/WSG5MFNWCXAXDLW5U2T432LJGA Phil

I'm so embarrassed, I don't think I can bear to watch this team for the next few years. I actually hope that they _DON'T_ qualify for Euro 2012.

Thuram is a GOD to me, my favorite player ever (semi-final versus Croatia baby!) I agree with him too. Evra descended into nothing more than a gang leader, nevermind France, nevermind les bleus.
JeanFrancoisRacinet

I would totally be okay with Evra retiring from international football. If not, he can receive a lifetime ban. I think France should keep it quiet and just have Blanc never call him up. We have so many replacements. (Too many)
http://www.facebook.com/people/Gaston-Mulisanga/1102718568 Gaston Mulisanga

his spot on, what evra did was shame ful, instead of uniting them and warning any team member from insulting the coach he made it worse. they were players who wanted to play but cliques in the team caused everything to go in chaos
LaurieInSeattle

Wonder how strong Thuram's condemnation would have been if Evra played rightback — a positiion where France is notoriously light on contenders.
http://twitter.com/Chat_domestique Stuart

According to French sites he said 'j'ai demandé' which is being translated as 'I demanded' but would be better translated as 'I asked'. A little less hard.
It's like célibataire/celibate or désolé/desolate.
http://www.mcalcio.com Marco P.

I think Thuram's claim is based on principle Laurie, not on France's tactical needs…
LaurieInSeattle

Oops, yeah, forgot this is perennial class act Thuram we're talking about. Being a France fan has made my cynical.
brentonwalters

Domenech deserves full responsibility for the team meltdown, and the FFF should take full responsibility for leaving him in as coach. Remember when Henry complained that he wasn't actually coaching them? He's a nutter and a horrible leader.