Emmanuel Petit criticises rioters and tells foreign detractors to leave France

Former French football player Emmanuel Petit posted a video to Instagram condemning violent rioters after widespread unrest hit cities across France. The Daily Mail and Fox News both reported that Petit called on migrants who do not love France or reject the country to go back to where they came from. [1][2]

In the nearly four minute long video, Petit described the rioters as thugs and criticized their destruction of public property. The Daily Mail reported that Petit pointed to the cowardice that unites the lawless mobs as they destroy everything and burn cars. Fox News reported that Petit expressed deep anger over the arson, looting, and trashed streets, while calling on French President Emmanuel Macron to protect honest citizens. [1][2]

The unrest began with peaceful protests over the state of education, according to the Daily Mail. Fox News reported that more than 2,400 rioters have been detained nationwide following the violent incidents. As FTMQ News reported earlier, France has experienced weeks of violent unrest and demonstrations linked to rising living costs, leading to thousands of arrests across the country. [1][2][11][12]

Petit was a midfielder who represented France in two FIFA World Cups, scoring a goal in France's 3 to 0 victory during the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final. During his professional club career, he played for Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea, winning the Premier League title and FA Cup double with Arsenal in 1998. [8][10]