KARACHI : As Les Bleus clinched their second World Cup title after a thrilling final win over Croatia, social media was quick to underscore that the team had seven Muslim players in it and how the country must apply its on-field victories off the field as well.
Adil Rami, Djibril Sidibé, Benjamin Mendy, Paul Pogba , N’Golo Kanté, Nabil Fekir and Ousmane Dembélé all practice the faith.
The country which is often in the spotlight for its Islamophobic social policies won the ultimate footballing prize with a team that is one-third Muslim.
Twitterati called on France to put an end to its “hypocrisy” and acknowledge the foundational and positive role Muslims play in developing its society.
In pictures: French take to the streets in celebration after World Cup victory
“Africans and Muslims delivered you a second World Cup, now deliver them justice,” American author Khaled Beydoun wrote.
Paul Pogba seen praying before a match against the Netherlands. SCREENGRAB: DAILYMOTION
“With France passing all these laws against Islamic practices, let’s not forget it’s these same Muslims players who helped win #WorldCup2018,” one Twitter user wrote.
Some called on France to recognise the victory as a much-needed wake-up call for the country to adopt policies upholding the rights and dignity of migrants and Muslims.
