Original subtitles

Previously on The Trigger...

- My star player just headbutted my coach.

The club’s audit is Thursday? Fode can’t stay after this.

- Who are you? - I’m a “crisis communicator.”

And your boss hired us to help you.

Fode is a golden opportunity.

We can only wonder what a football player,

violent and racist, will find as an excuse.

She knows where she’s going.

- Marie Kinsky? Where? - Civil war.

- We hold a press conference at 7 p.m. - I want Sam’s number.

I saw the pilot of an American TV series.

It’s...

part medieval, part fantasy, it’s new.

It’s called Game of Thrones.

And what’s it about?

A coming disaster.

We don’t know what.

A sort of... apocalypse.

“Winter is coming.” It felt like being at work.

At work?

Say the word “future”

what colour does that evoke?

- Black. - Black?

Blue.

My job is knowing society.

Knowing

how it’s faring, studying its heartbeat,

its evolution.

I use these projective techniques.

Surveys of sorts.

I ask test groups open questions.

They don’t know what I want so I can access what they really think.

And from there,

I see changes in French society before they erupt in public.

And it’s these changes that brought you here.

Right?

I wasn’t keen on taking pills at first,

but I no longer feel that weight on my chest.

Can I take some with me?

We use benzos for panic attacks, not long-term treatment.

The aim of our sessions

is to help you handle those crises yourself.

That’s the idea.

Fear permeates all of society.

My surveys indicate an epidemic of fear.

People fear for themselves and fear each other.

But are you personally afraid?

Of that fear, yes.

Fear can be seen as a positive alarm that pushes us to act.

Maybe for an individual. But for society, “winter is coming.”

Elaborate.

You see what collective fear does

to a crowd gathered in a stadium or hall?

A mad rush to save yourself.

Imagine that on the scale of a terrified society...

I’d rather stop there.

I was doing fine, then you bring up the apocalypse.

I’m not sure that’s strictly protocol.

Yes, but... you’re doing better.

Okay.

- I’ll see you next Thursday? - Yes.

I read something interesting that might help you.

The historian Luc Mary found 182 doomsday predictions

since the end of the Roman Empire.

None happened.

He should have focused on those that did.

- Meaning? - The Mongols killed 50 million.

World War 1,18 million, World War II, 60 million.

Second Congo War, four million.

If you combine wars, famine, genocide and slavery

that’s more than 182 doomsdays.

Fair enough.

But you can’t wait for the world to heal before you heal yourself.

No one can carry that weight alone.

But I’m not alone.

Goodbye.

- Okay? - Yeah.

Come on, let’s go.

I’m taking you to a new restaurant. You’re going to love it.

THE TRIGGER

Call back!

We’re in deep shit.

Where are you?

I repeat, 48 hours after a crisis is too soon to leave.

All so you can handle some football drama?

Football drama?

It’s a cluster bomb ready to set off explosions

inside every major crack in French society.

The club president is begging for help.

If I don’t act, I’ll wind up here for life.

Thank you, Doctor.

This statue embodies extreme violence.

Its physical, concrete prominence. Yes, Colbert is here.

Before the National Assembly...

Move along, please. Kenza Chelbi, this protest is unauthorised.

- It’s not a protest. - So it’s a picnic?

- A decolonial walking tour. - Be serious.

We’re voicing history’s repressed version.

- I’m asking nicely. - We’re doing no harm.

Benoit de Gamey is a major philosopher.

You have to move. Now.

You should listen. They don’t teach this at school.

- You must move along. - This is about world upheaval!

- Justice! - Justice!

Justice!

Ten minutes of education against two centuries of lies isn’t much.

Head for the Jules Ferry Lycee!

It’s not today’s subject, but we’d like your take on Fode Thiam.

It is the subject. Bang on.

He’s a “negmarron”, a slave who broke free.

- He hit his coach. - You know about them?

- No. You? - No.

- Yet Fode is a victim of racism? - Sure.

- How do you know? - I too am racialised.

He plays football for France. I’m a university academic.

Yet we continue to endure daily racist microaggressions.

- Fode snapped and rebelled. - Against his coach’s racism?

Most jabs are by people who say they’re “colour-blind.”

It’s unconscious, but it’s the core of a system

that puts us in our place as non-whites.

Slaves or colonised.

Like for Colbert, Fode is a negmarron.

- Thanks. - You’re welcome.

Negmarrons were escaped slaves. Together, they tried to free others.

Fode, a slave? With his salary?

Racing’s salaries aren’t our priority. Show the image.

In 48 hours, this has exploded.

We’re currently beating the Top Chef finals.

Each statement magnifies it. Like that video.

It’s trending in the top three, along with Kinsky and Fode.

Fode is the new battleground in the identity war.

Kinsky, Chelbi... action, reaction.

A polarising vortex.

Your idea to switch focus was great.

It’s too late to say it’s just football now.

- It is just football! - But we called the press.

Kinsky predicted the angle, we cancelled. People think she’s right.

- It’s a snake biting its tail. - Justine, got Le Parisien?

You’ve seen this poll?

- First thing. - What does it tell you?

That I’m dying.

If Fode is kicked off the team, it all falls apart.

No, it shows a cry for authority.

People saw foul play and want sanctions.

- Which gives us some wiggle room. - Like what?

You go on the news tonight and sanction Fode.

We move away from identity to focus on the need for authority.

- No way. - Listen.

As Fode’s boss, you must sanction him.

Or others will and he’ll get canned.

You can choose the sanction.

Protect him and stop this escalating.

This mustn’t spill out. The French team is sacred.

Sacred battles have no limits.

- We kill... - Sam, we need to move fast.

What sanctions are possible?

Better check the contract.

Okay. We’ll check Fode’s contract.

Meet back in two hours. We’ll make sure you shine on the news.

Fode apologises to Pascal, the club, to France, the world.

He accepts sanctions from his tough-but-fair boss.

Can everyone see this? The headbutt...

Our focus now is the news.

This is a nightmare.

Here.

- Can I have lollies? - No, you didn’t finish.

- Eat at least half. - No.

- Yes, but now I’m not hungry.

Too bad. No lollies, then.

Hello?

Yes, Mum.

No, it’s nothing.

Don’t worry. I’m busy, I’ll call back.

Yes, thanks.

Fuck!

Bad word, Daddy. Bad word!

I’m mad!

Have some cheese.

- What happened? - They’re going to kick me out.

- Not the coach, he adores you. - Why doesn’t he call?

He said he was counting on me to uphold values, inspire kids...

Do I look like a role model?

- Zidane headbutted someone too. - That’s nonsense.

Zizou is Zizou. And it was in the middle of a game!

You worry too much. You’ve got training on Thursday.

- It’s fine. - Stop it, Fatou. It’s not fine.

Daddy...

- It’s all shit. - Bad words, remember?

Daddy, look what I found.

That’s great, you got Daddy!

Isn’t that a sign?

Sorry for the bad words.

- Get the swear jar. - Let’s get it.

Perfect.

Well done, Daddy.

- Hello? - Hi, Herve Mathoux speaking.

How are you? I have a proposal for you.

It’s magnificent. Haussmannian, fireplace...

- Had a good day? - Great.

- Had a snack? - Yes.

- Homework? - Done.

Goodness.

Let me just check.

We've got lots of viewings today, I’ll check my diary.

Let me see...

I’ve got a slot at 4.15 p.m.

Does that work?

Great, see you later.

- Can I come in? - If you like.

- How are you? - Busy, but I’m fine.

Cool.

Okay, great.

Nothing major for Adam, but... I think he should get tested.

No, that’s stupid.

I know my son.

It’s obvious he’s gifted, right? Even his music teacher...

He’s my son too. Adam is fine.

He’s twelve, doing well at school.

He doesn’t want me at his birthday party.

- A typical pre-teen. - He’d do better with kids like him.

Yes, sure. Let's stick with people like us.

You’d be better with just realtors?

Why put Adam among gifted kids? If he even is?

Sam, he gets teary watching a sad movie.

He’s sensitive. That makes me proud of him.

He’s fine. So we say “You’re different, you’re gifted”?

He’ll get a big head, feel pressured. No one needs that at twelve.

Thanks. Really constructive talk.

Any time.

The contract’s okay?

Fode is talking on TV tonight.

Shit.

Canal Football Club. Fode Thiam Q&A.

No control over the questions.

- We dissuade him? - He just wants it over.

He’s under pressure. Talking family, honour...

If he talks before Francois it’s over.

What can I say? I can only reach his agent.

It could destroy everything.

It’s work, I’ll be back soon. I’ve got it.

It’ll last four hours, but it’s a big deal.

It’s the cover story for Valeurs Actuelles.

Like in January? I’m not their sales puppet.

Tell them to put Kenza Chelbi on the cover.

Her network, university connections...

Okay. I’ll pass it on.

- I’d like to do Hanouna. - What?

Get on Hanouna’s show.

- Hanouna? - What?

Sorry, Marie, but... Don’t Touch My TV Set!

Yes, it’s French popular culture, but it’s a bit vulgar.

So it’s perfect.

David, everyone has multiple faces.

PR isn't about choosing which is real

but choosing the right face at the right time.

Right now my profile is someone mainstream, friendly and relaxed.

Okay. I’ll tell them.

Thank you.

Sorry, are you Marie Kinsky?

Yes.

- Can I take a selfie? - Go ahead.

Thanks.

Thanks for saying what everyone is thinking.

- My pleasure. - Have a nice day.

Hanouna is perfect.

Let every corner of France know

the brittle, haughty, even racist Cruella is no longer me.

It’s Kenza Chelbi.

Yes?

Hello. I’m with BRN Security Systems.

We’ve spotted a fault with the network since an antenna was installed.

I can quickly apply a security patch.

Okay.

Thanks.

Hello.

The CCTV isn’t working?

It’s fine. I’m Sam Berger from Kairos.

You’re the fixer? Nice work with the press.

You only see fixers when you’re in deep shit.

Our shit makes you money.

- You’re the agent? - And friend, Marc Stevenal.

You organise the transfers

then hide your commissions in a tax haven.

Robbing the state and stoking inequality.

That’s a caricature.

Hi, Fode. I’ve come to offer my help.

- We don’t need you. - It’s okay.

Come inside.

I just want to apologise.

- “Just” apologise? - Yes, I should have from the start.

Marie Kinsky is right?

The self-righteous trump card to shirk responsibility?

- What? - That’s your trump card, Mr Thiam?

I attack a teacher, I’m sorry. I rape a woman, I’m sorry.

No. Herve Mathoux was very nice.

I can explain on his show.

And Michel, 54, from the sticks may be nice.

Or maybe, like Marie Kinsky, he wants to know what a spoiled footballer,

millionaire, violent and racist, will find as an excuse.

I'm here to protect you, Fode.

I’m not a thug. I’m not a rapist.

It’s okay, Fode.

It’s fine. Take your time. Breathe.

I’m not a thug.

I’m not a rapist, nor a violent man.

Apologising can’t erase it. There is no excuse.

Nothing justifies what I did.

I disrespected Racing, our supporters,

football fans and all French people.

I disrespected my family.

My daughter, Imane.

My wife, Fatou.

All those named “Thiam.

I disrespected my coach,

Pascal Terret, my friend.

Thanks, Sam.

Do you condemn Kenza Chelbi’s statements?

You know Kenza Chelbi defended you?

Yes. Thank her, but...

No, Fode. Thanking her means accusing Pascal of racism.

- Do I disagree? - You’ll have to go offline for a bit.

There'll be insults.

- What insults? - Coconut, house negro, traitor...

Traitor?

Me, a traitor? I was born in Dakar.

If she went back home, she’d need air-con.

It’s fucked. I’m a true African.

If you’re a true African, why play for France?

That’s what they'll say. It’s the perfect trap.

- You bounce between Kinsky and Chelbi. - So what do I do?

Would you play a big match while injured?

Never.

It doesn’t help the team.

The sub will always do better.

You’re far from peak condition.

Let’s go again.

Is this controversy just a football spat?

Yes, like every weekend on pitches across France.

I don’t understand. So why sanction Fode?

Understanding isn’t excusing.

Fode’s act was a fault which he himself regrets.

But faults are sanctioned, it’s the rule.

Great.

I don’t buy it. I see you, I see a boss.

He can’t help that. He’s a businessman.

They’ll say he’s lying.

- Me? - Since ’83, at least.

- Since ’83? - Roughly.

- Sam, please. - You were meant to create jobs.

Maastricht, Europe... nothing. People know bosses lie.

- You’re a boss. - We’re answering a cry for authority.

The public will just see a boss. Sorry.

I don’t agree. The message counts too.

- What does Francois earn? - Per year?

- 250,000. - With dividends, over 300,000.

His assets must be huge. I’d say 300-350,000.

- Less than half that. - No one will believe that.

The richer you are, the less people believe you.

They won’t hear what you say, they’ll see who you are.

- So we cancel? - Again?

Look out for boom five. On four, three, two, one. Go.

Hello and good evening.

We've got an amazing show for you tonight.

Because we have the pleasure of welcoming coach Pascal Terret!

Welcome, Coach.

Hello, Pascal. You know how the show works.

You’ve accepted to be questioned by four viewers who are with us tonight.

We have Guillaume, 41, boiler mechanic from Soissons.

Sabrina, 28,

a jobseeker from Noisy-le-Grand.

And Jose, a logistician from Tournon.

You are 53, Jose.

And finally Kevin, 19, history student from Cergy.

They do the talking. But first, a quick question, Coach.

Fode Thiam agreed, like you, to come on the show.

He pulled out at the last minute.

Do you know, Pascal, why he changed his mind?

Why he pulled out?

Yes, I'm the one who forbade it.

I said “It’s the Euro, get yourself in the mindset.

“Prioritise the French team.

“That means concentration, preparation, taking orders, being with the team.

“The rest you set aside.”

You think Fode will play the European Championship?

Of course he’ll play. The manager does what I do.

On the game plan, he puts Fode first, then the rest.

Hello, Coach. There’s sport, but there’s also other stuff.

- Events... - There’s talk of anti-white racism.

Who? Who says that? Marie Linky?

Kinsky, it’s Marie Kinsky.

“Linky” is the electric meters!

- He called you a dirty toubab. - So what? It could be dirty bastard.

- Toubab means white. - That’s how they talk now.

Arab, black... Just ask.

- That's okay? - We can’t get angry?

Not with racial slurs. It’s no longer tolerated.

Fode isn’t racist. I know him.

What do you want me to say

That Fode’s racist? Fine, he’s racist. We’re all racist.

But the players leave racism in the locker room.

- Leave racism in the locker room? - Sure.

You’re killing us here.

Then, why?

You saw the trophies? Fode, zilch? How’s that possible?

With the season he had?

That’s the deal. There are votes.

No, that’s not the deal. It’s rigged.

- I can’t accept that. - Look at the winners.

All strikers. A team with eleven strikers can’t score.

The others are forgotten.

It’s stats. Your stats are killing football.

They even count dribbles.

If a player dribbles toward his own goal,

does that count too?

It’s bullshit.

- True, I agree. - No, but wait!

Take the winners. One’s with Nike, one’s Puma, one’s Adidas.

How perfect is that? Voting is great.

Everyone gets to sell their gear.

We get your anger, but you know

voting is overseen by adjudicators.

I see you’ve never dealt with adjudicators, Mr Mathoux.

Fode fully deserved to win. It’s no excuse, but I understand.

Why hit you, not the organisers?

Because I said I was glad but didn’t have time to say why.

You were glad?

Today, who are the top-level coaches?

- Former players. - Exactly.

I was an oaf on the pitch.

Fumbling, slow... Not even much endurance.

When I said I wanted to be a coach, everyone laughed.

Like you when I said “Marie Linky.”

You know

my father worked on an assembly line in Amiens.

The floor manager, please note.

He didn’t wait in line at the store.

People respected Dad.

We arrived with our accents.

We knew no one. But Dad helped youngsters.

If there was an accident, he’d round up funds.

Even the mayor called on him.

Remember one day. I was 15.

He came home and said "I'm done." There'd been factory layoffs.

He said “Did I deserve this?”

“Did I deserve this?”

A month later he got sick.

He died soon after. So what did I do?

I thought, you’ve nothing to lose. Give it your all.

Make your dream come true. Be a coach!

I toiled, took the test three times.

I’m here because injustice is tough but it’s a kick in the butt.

I thought, Fode is facing injustice but he’ll prevail.

Fode will go for it. He’ll win us the cup.

You’ll see, he’ll win us the cup.

Amazing.

What’s going on?

- Something wrong -I couldn’t sleep.

I think I’m jealous.

Want to talk about it?

Look.

“Football’s Big Fake.”

- What’s that? - A masterpiece.

Fode’s no longer at fault but the business.

A coalition of the League, big clubs, sponsors...

Driven by greed, they destroy the game with their shady votes.

The conspiracy twist is genius. And the messenger is perfect.

The victim and the son of a blue-collar worker.

A working-class, white country boy.

Maximum sense of sincerity, empathy, emotion.

- So you’re jealous? - Rightly so.

The perfect superposition of far-right voters,

white picket fences,

housing projects and the last remnant of workers' pride.

- Crystalline purity. - I thought you were jealous of my wife.

Of your wife?

Why?

- You’re sure it’s enough? - Yes. It’s fine.

There are more potato chips in the cupboard.

- Chocolate cookies too. - I said it’s fine, Mum.

Okay.

I feel rude. Sure I shouldn’t stay?

Mum, you can go.

Love you.

Fode!

- Fode, please! - Wave to the camera!

Fode, just one question.

How are you? All good?

- Have a good day. - You too.

- Hey, brother! - What’s up?

- All well? - Hey, toubabs, hide!

You’re okay?

- You good? - And you?

- So? - What’s up?

How’s your head?

It’s really not funny! It’s not funny.

Careful, Coach, he’s going to headbutt!

Good to see you. Welcome back.

Okay, guys! Get dressed. Mountain biking in 15. Go.

I can’t hear.

I can’t hear.

You do this for all the clubs? This is usual?

Sir, please.

- Was Racing’s budget approved?

The club’s finances are healthy, so it was approved.

- You’re disappointed? - Absolutely not.

One last question.

With the Fode Thiam affair, it was risky.

Transfermarkt lowered his valuation.

Transfermarkt?

He’ll go back up when he wins us the Championship.

You spend too much time online.

One last question!

Turn that off.

It has a large audience. I watch it for work, it’s important...

“It’s important to know all cultural references, especially on TV.”

Right.

- Hello, Francois. How did it go? - Like clockwork.

Thanks to you, Sam. Thanks. You have a twelve-year-old son, right?

I’ll give him a season ticket for Racing. He likes football, right?

- Yes, very much. - Perfect!

In the VIP box, with his own reserved seat.

People love that.

And I’d love to see you there sometime too.

With pleasure, Francois.

- Wonderful. Goodbye. - See you soon.

Adam, I’m pretty relaxed. Except about lying.

- What’s up? - You said your birthday went fine.

- I find a broken vase. - Sorry, it’s just a vase.

Sure, it’s no big deal. So don’t lie.

Okay?

Marie! Marie!

Marie Kinsky is with us tonight!

Marie Kinsky from the Theatre de I’Aube!

Ave Marie,

written and performed by Marie Kinsky.

Marie, thanks for being here.

You must see her show.

The whole show, but don’t miss her dance.

Because that dance is something. An amazing performance.

- Thanks, Cyril. - Can you give us a twirl?

- No. - Oh, come on!

Marie, Marie!

- Normal? - Yes.

Your reaction to seeing Marie on that show

is consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder.

How long did you work together in political PR?

Seven years.

Remind me how it ended?

One day, she was gone. Disappeared.

Not even a post-it note to explain.

Go on.

She cut off her phone, emptied her flat and I didn’t see her again until 2019.

Five years later in a report on Ave Marie.

That’s what you relived last night seeing Marie on TV.

Not at all. It confirmed my worst fears.

She’s trying to soften her image. She wants power.

- She’s written the story. - What story?

Act 1, disappearance. Marie quits political PR and disappears.

Act 2, rebirth.

She’s reinvented as a neo-conservative guru.

Act 3, reconquest.

She edges into the political arena using identity wars, her hot topic.

Epilogue, triumph. A majority in the elections.

So, according to you, Marie’s acts

constitute a coherent plan?

Yes, a long-term global strategy. It’s a masterpiece.

But do you mind if, quite humbly, I suggest another hypothesis?

Perhaps Marie, rather than aiming for power,

is simply suffering from the disease of our age?

Narcissism.

Fame. A woman drunk on fame.

In love with her reflection. Omnipresent.

After all those years in the shadows.

She’s too smart for that.

Don’t you think Marie might also find you very smart?

With Pascal, the coach, you managed to obstruct her plan.

And stopped this football crisis spiralling.

You see, her story isn’t perfect because there’s a new twist...

you.

Yes.

- But... - We’ll stop there on that “yes.”

A fine end to a positive, optimistic session.

It’s what you need.

Hold on to that “yes”

and savour it.

Mr Deputy, each time I invite a politician on Ave Marie

my YouTube ratings drop.

Yes, but if you invite me, I promise that won’t happen.

- I’m listening. - Thiam’s valuable, not his coach.

The club forced him not to press charges.

- Terret acted under duress. - You think?

- I’m certain. - I think no one forced him.

He’s like the whites who observe Ramadan in France to avoid trouble.

Rings true.

You know Terret isn’t to blame?

- He’s like you, Mr Latour. - Really? How?

He’s a coward, he’s scared.

So he invents justifications. Like you with money spoiling football.

But in reality, he merely reflects your submission to the rabble.

That submission shames you.

Some more wine?

It's very pleasant.

People notice.

A headbutt, a racist insult, you don’t lift a finger.

Imagine the opposite. A black hit by a white.

There'd be demonstrations, readings of Aime Cesaire,

bonfires and windows broken by black blocs.

- The victim won’t press charges. - The victim is France.

As a lawmaker, you represent public authority.

It’s your duty to act.

Fine.

What should I do?

You’ll write a letter.

Not any old letter.

On thick, quality paper.

With, on the left, the blue National Assembly letterhead.

And to the right, the addressee,

the French Public Prosecutor.

“Madam, please note two offences committed by Fode Thiam

“broadcast live at the Football Awards.

“Dirty toubab is an insult aimed at

“an ethnic group, race or religion.

“Three years’ jail and a fine.

“The insult being made in public,

“means that, beyond the victim,

“an entire group was expressly targeted.”

- Right. - It’s on Twitter?

Of course. Three of Latour’s colleagues joined him.

They’re nicknamed the New-Right Musketeers.

- I can take the file. - I’ll handle it personally.

- What’s she like? - Judges are always tricky.

If she hands the case to the courts, Fode faces an indictment.

I’m sure she won’t. Latour wants that.

Using Article 40 to twist justice for political gain will annoy her.

Most Article 40 complaints get thrown out.

But if she drops the case

Latour will claim that only one type of racism is punished,

that she's denying anti-white racism.

I read the files Justine sent me on former friends...

- Hello, Madam Prosecutor. - Loudspeaker.

I wanted to inform you of my decision regarding the letter I received.

As a judge, I cannot call the accused directly.

Plus, I support the French team and I imagine he's busy.

- I'd like you to pass this on to Fode. - With pleasure, Madam Prosecutor.

- Do you know about preliminary inquiries?

Roughly.

They're entrusted to the police. It's not judicial.

At the end of the inquiry, I decide what action to take.

- You follow? - Certainly.

I can't ignore the file. But I won"t pass it to the courts.

Mr Thiam won't be indicted.

He can trust in his country's justice.

- Thank you very much. - You're welcome.

Did you understand these matters before?

Of course not.

Neither does the public. They'll just hear “inquiry”, “police”.

"Preliminary” leads to trial, indictment, charges.

Stop eating!

And boom!

Pass the controller.

- Guys. - Yeah?

The fed boss is with the coach.

- Don't mess with our bonuses. - Stop acting tough.

- The big talker... - I'll show you!

I've picked Fode in the team.

But the preliminary inquiry puts us under pressure.

The pressure Is the opening game.

- The players need their bubble. - A bubble, sure.

But the Sports Minister called me...

The minister's not the manager. There's one manager.

The state has shares in a number of our sponsors.

Their contracts hold an ethics clause.

Being under police inquiry, does that sound ethical to you?

So...

If you fire Fode, I quit.

And if there's a search?

The police come to find Fodé here in his room?

What then?

That bubble will burst IN No time.

Sleep on it, Christophe.

But quitting two weeks before the Euro

means stabbing French football In the back.

Bertrand Latour Deputy, The Republican Party

No benefits for parents of juvenile offenders

Values we must uphold

Always with my family

Family means everything to me

The only thing that cheers me on Sundays

is knowing that Ave Marie is back on Monday.

And we'll watch as a family!

- Who is it? - Christophe.

- May I? - What's up?

We need to talk, son.

Fode, what happened?

Why are you leaving?

Can we have a statement, Fodé?

- We project too much on these players. - They play for France.

- They set an example. - They're kids! They make mistakes.

They're over 18.

Let me answer.

It's a shame, but I understand.

Fodé must focus on his defence and be with his family.

It's a blow for the team, but we're fired up.

Spirits are high. And we'll get that trophy!

Thank you.

In print media, we've got L Equipe and Le Parisien on page one.

Mediapart too.

At first, we had #lamFode and #NotMyFrance trending.

But this is new.

We're all negmarrons!

And everyone hates the French team!

- Where are the police? - They vandalise until it becomes a show.

Switch.

When I and others see this,

I don't see a peaceful demonstration with clear demands.

- I see Baghdad. - Baghdad?

Yes. Baghdad, Islamabad, Gaza... It's always the same images.

Angry mobs burning Western flags.

- It's a soccer shirt. - That's the real flag today.

There's no more military service, nobody knows La Marseillaise.

The symbol of France today is football! You know what?

They've made Fode their martyr. They're avenging colonisation.

It's time to live in the present.

Shit.

- Hello, Sam. - Hello.

Sorry, I was just going for a run.

Okay.

Are you okay? Of course not.

I know you're not okay, you can't be.

It's just that we live in an era where everyone is on edge.

Well, some are on edge, others want to start fights.

Before coming to see you,

I thought "Wait, who are you to ask him that? Who?”

"Who" meaning white girl.

“White girl.” So I said the thought aloud.

And it hit me like an iron plate, crushing me.

I realised the poison had even entered my head.

If it can get into my head for a second, skin colour, I had to come see you.

You get it?

Not a clue.

- Did you see Don't Touch My TV Set?

Right, sorry. Marie Kinsky was on it, your critic.

Laughing, dancing, joking...

She's getting ready.

She's looking for a fight.

She punches with her stand-up, then strokes with Don't Touch My TV Set!

- Article 40 is her. - It's not that politician?

Yes, it's him. But she's behind him.

She's using you to win support.

But Kenza Chelbi is using you too.

You're now a symbol for hate movements.

The stake in the battle.

- You saw they burned a jersey? - Yeah.

The others cry sacrilege and battle lines are drawn.

Chelbi sent me a message.

Saying what?

That it was unfair I'd been kicked off the team.

- It was nice. - Did you reply?

No, not yet.

Fode,

what's happening is awful.

Getting kicked off the team...

I don't know how I'd have coped.

Actually, I do. I'd want to smash everything, scream.

But you mustn't. You're a symbol.

And symbols can set things on fire.

The greatest injustice IS when victims must call for peace.

And I hate asking you this.

Ask what?

Remain a football player.

I said goodbye to the team.

It was hard. The guys are shaken.

They want to show solidarity, do something.

I stopped them. I said we're not going on strike.

To support me, win the trophy.

But without me, they won't. I Know It.

But in two years, 'll score at the World Cup finals.

And every kid in France will shout my name.

Can I hug you?

La Marseillaise was booed once before

at the France-Algeria match in Paris.

Imane!

Imane!