Emmanuel Macron has been ‘booed by the entire stadium’ as he opened the Rugby World Cup.
This year marks France’s turn to host the prestigious sports event with festivities launching in spectacular fashion.
French actor Jean Dujardin was first to make an appearance, walking out in a white T-shirt before being joined by a number of performers. Acrobats and a giant scrum took to the field to open the ceremony and even a giant inflatable Eiffel Tower popped up in the centre of the field.
Fans clapped and cheered for the performance but the mood quickly changed when Macron appeared. As the French president went to take the podium at the Stade de France, rugby fans launched into a sea of jeers. Macron’s unpopular pension plan led to riots across France earlier this year after he raised the retirement age from 62 to 64 years old. Following his speech to open the ceremony, Macron stood with his arms crossed before applauding World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont after he finished his speech.
Emmanuel Macron took to the podium after a short performance Reuters
Emmanuel Macron sparked nationwide riots after raising the retirement age earlier this year Reuters
Fans chanted “Allez Les Bleus” (Go the Blues) in support of the French team before joining in for the national anthem “La Marseillaise”. After the president left the field, France and New Zealand met for the opening match of the series. France’s World Cup team has been mired in controversy even before kick-off after France lock Bastien Chalureau was forced to deny accusations he is racist following his controversial call-up for the Rugby World Cup. The 31-year-old Montpellier player is appealing against a suspended six-month prison sentence for a racially-motivated attack in 2020.
“I am not a racist, I do not have those values,” he told a press conference on Monday. “What I want to say to you is that I confessed to my mistakes, that I paid my debts and I deny all claims about racist remarks.” Following the call-up Macron was heard telling head coach Galthie: “We don’t want the controversy getting out of hand.” Chalureau, who at times was tearful during his press conference, said France’s coaching staff and management were fully aware of the assault, which led to him leaving former club Toulouse.
tothemoonandback01 on September 9th, 2023 at 12:26 UTC »
"Are you not entertained?"
mhdlm on September 9th, 2023 at 12:21 UTC »
Considering the guy is an ego maniac he is probably going to remember this for the rest of his life well deserved.
forcedfx on September 9th, 2023 at 11:40 UTC »
That look on his face. "Why are you not cheering? I specifically requested it."