Paul Pogba has denied quitting the France national team over recent comments made by the country's president in which he declared war on "Islamist separatism". AFP
Paul Pogba has denied quitting the France national team over recent comments made by the country's president in which he declared war on "Islamist separatism". AFP
Paul Pogba has denied quitting the France national team over recent comments made by the country's president in which he declared war on "Islamist separatism". AFP
Paul Pogba has denied quitting the France national team over recent comments made by the country's president in which he declared war on "Islamist separatism". AFP

'Fake news': Paul Pogba denies quitting France team over Emmanuel Macron comments


Steve Luckings
  • English
  • Arabic

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has denied media reports saying he had quit the France national team over comments made by the country's President Emmanuel Macron which were perceived to be against Islam.

The Sun newspaper alleged that Pogba, a practising Muslim, had reacted to Macron's comments in which he declared war on "Islamist separatism" by quitting Les Bleus.

"Unacceptable," the 27-year-old wrote on a Twitter post along with a "fake news" sticker on a screenshot of the headline from The Sun.

"So The Sun did it again," he added on a separate Instagram post. "Absolutely 100% unfounded news about me are going around, stating things I have never said or thought.

"I am appalled, angry, shocked and frustrated some 'media' sources use me to make total fake headlines in the sensible subject of French current events and adding the French national team to the pot.

"I am against any and all forms of terror and violence. Unfortunately, some press people don't act responsibly when writing the news, abusing their press freedom, not verifying if what they write/reproduce is true, creating a gossip chain without caring (if) it affects people's lives and my life."

Pogba, who has 72 caps for France and helped win the 2018 World Cup in Russia, added that he was taking legal action against the publishers.

The report came days after Macron paid tribute to a French history teacher who was beheaded by an Islamist radical for using cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression for 13-year-olds.

France is facing a growing boycott movement in Muslim countries over President Macron's refusal to condemn the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, which are considered blasphemous under Islam.

Macron last week defended a French schoolteacher who was beheaded by a teenage extremist after showing his students such cartoons during a class on freedom of expression.

In a tweet on Sunday, Mr Macron said France respected all differences in a spirit of peace, but did not accept hate speech and defended reasonable debate. “We will not give in, ever,” he said.

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Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


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ACC 2019: The winners in full

Best Actress Maha Alemi, Sofia

Best Actor Mohamed Dhrif, Weldi  

Best Screenplay Meryem Benm’Barek, Sofia  

Best Documentary Of Fathers and Sons by Talal Derki

Best Film Yomeddine by Abu Bakr Shawky

Best Director Nadine Labaki, Capernaum
 

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She loves the beach and advises her clients to go for meditation.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets