Euro 2016 Former player says Real star and Ben Arfa snubbed for their North African origins

Eric Cantona has accused France coach Didier Deschamps of snubbing two of their best players, Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa, because of their North African origins.

The former French international waded into the debate about why these two footballers will not be taking part in Euro 2016 by alleging the decision is racially motivated.

"One thing is certain: Benzema and Ben Arfa are two of the best players in France and they won't be playing in the competition," the former Manchester United forward said.

"Of course, their origins are North African, so the debate is open.

"Deschamps is a truly French name and he's probably the only one in France to have a really French name.

"Nobody in his family can have mixed with anyone, just like the Mormons in the United States."

The French international, who won 45 caps between 1987 and 1995, has criticised the coach several times in the past and once dismissed him as a 'vulgar water carrier'.

Cantona has courted controversy since he was a player with his antics on and off the pitch.

Benzema is believed to have been left out after being implicated in an alleged sex-tape blackmail attempt involving fellow international Mathieu Valbuena while Ben Arfa is on the standby list of eight players.