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Benzema hits back in France row

After being criticized by France's sports minister, Karim Benzema has hit back at any criticism of his ethical "respect."

Karim Benzema has hit back following comments made by France's prime minister and sports minister as part of a row over his involvement with the national team.

Sports minister Patrick Kanner cast doubt on the idea of allowing the Real Madrid striker to return to Didier Deschamps' setup, even though a court in Versailles opted to lift a sanction preventing him from having contact with international teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

Speaking to RTL, Kanner stated that "the conditions had not been met" for Benzema's return and questioned his level of respect for the ethics of the France team.