Samir Nasri apologizes to supporters for expletive-laced rant – but not to journalist involved

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This article was published 27/06/2012 (5193 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

PARIS – Samir Nasri apologized on Wednesday to supporters of the France team for the expletive-laced rant he aimed at a journalist following the 2-0 defeat to Spain in the European Championship quarterfinals.

Nasri was walking through the interview area when the heated exchange took place after the journalist asked him for a reaction to the loss. Reports said the dispute escalated and Nasri challenged the journalist to take their argument further.

France coach Laurent Blanc and the national football federation criticized Nasri’s behaviour, and he faces possible disciplinary action.

“The supporters and in particular children should know that I regret that my language may have shocked them,” Nasri wrote on his Twitter page. “I love (the France team), football, and I have a profound respect for the spectators.”

He did not apologize to the reporter.

“I will explain further when the time comes,” Nasri said.

The FFF is due to meet next week to discuss Nasri’s case and will reportedly address the behaviour of wingers Hatem Ben Arfa and Jeremy Menez.

Nasri, who came on as a second-half substitute against Spain, had a tense relationship with French media throughout the tournament.

After scoring the equalizer in the 1-1 draw with England in France’s opening game, Nasri ran toward the touchline in celebration and shouted “Shut your mouth” in French. He then brought his finger to his lips to tell a journalist to hush.

“There is a problem between Nasri and the press. That’s the truth,” Blanc said the day after the Spain match.

At the 2010 World Cup, striker Nicolas Anelka received an 18-match ban after insulting coach Raymond Domenech in the dressing room.

Several players — including captain Patrice Evra — received shorter bans for their part in a training-ground strike in protest at Anelka being sent home.

While France never reached such lows at Euro 2012, several players — including Nasri, midfielder Alou Diarra and Ben Arfa — were involved in a heated dressing-room bust-up following the 2-0 defeat to Sweden in the final group game.