Deschamps defends Giroud after striker is BOOED by own fans

Deschamps defends Giroud after striker is BOOED by own fans

France manager Didier Deschamps was forced to defend striker Olivier Giroud after fans booed him during a Euro 2016 warm-up match.

A small group of French supporters whistled at the Arsenal star during Les Bleus’ friendly win over Cameroon on Monday.

“It’s definitely a minority (of fans) and it’s obviously unfair,” Deschamps told a news conference on Tuesday.

“Until proven otherwise he scores goals for us which is what we ask him to do. I’m counting on him as does the team.”

Giroud scored in the 3-2 victory for France to lead the club into their final warm-up match against Scotland on the back of three consecutive victories.

Twenty-nine-year-old Giroud has netted five goals in his last six international appearances and is expected to lead the line for France when the tournament begins next week.

He said: “You know that I have gone through stages in my career that have been quite complicated, so these things don’t hurt me much, but it is true that it is a shame.

“Being French, playing in France, if we miss a chance we want the fans to encourage us. They are also there for that – especially as I scored a goal with my only shot.

“So I do not understand it much but what was important was that we won, and that I continue that personal run of scoring.”

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