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France's football team will fly home in disgrace on a second-class flight after their disastrous World Cup ended in defeat against South Africa.
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France's players during a training session in Knysna, South Africa
Before a ball had even been kicked in the game, France's players were ordered to pack their bags, ready for the journey home.
A coach was booked to wait outside the stadium to take the players directly to the airport.
Their World Cup tournament ended with a 2-1 defeat against the hosts while Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0 in the other group match.
The results mean Mexico and Uruguay go through to the knockout stages.
Coach Raymond Domenech and striker Nicolas Anelka
France will not be allowed to return to their five-star hotel and face the ultimate humiliation of a second-class flight back to Paris today.
The French media reacted quickly to the defeat describing it "une catastrophe".
Disgruntled fans in Paris spoke to Sky's Alex Rossi about the elimination.
One furious supporter said: "I am happy this is the end for this team - I am happy this is finished for them."
Rossi added: "For the French team, they are coming home in disgrace and they will fly home in second class seats, such is the disgust at their behaviour."
France's elimination from the tournament was well-predicted after the players refused to train on Sunday.
The strike followed Chelsea star Nicolas Anelka being sent home from South Africa for insulting coach Raymond Domenech.
The French media has launched scathing attacks on the entire squad, with one newspaper describing the players as acting like "a bunch of seven-year-olds".
French sports minister Roselyne Bachelot said: "I told the players that they are perhaps no longer heroes for our children.
Bachelot: 'I told the players they'd tarnished the image of France.'
"It is the dreams of your partners, your friends, your supporters that you have broken. It is the image of France that you have tarnished."
Online newspaper Le Post revealed that the French Football Federation was so sure the team would lose their final match that it chartered the plane to fly them home three days ago.
It wrote: "They arrived travelling first class on a new Airbus A380. But they will be going back on an older Boeing 737, second class and with no special extras.
"The plane was booked three days ago, and will take off right after their match with South Africa should they be eliminated, without stopping off at their hotel."
Meanwhile, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and finance minister Christine Lagarde have described the squad's behaviour as "unacceptable".
Ms Lagarde told the players: "When you wear the French national colours you have added responsibilities.
"There are young children, young adolescents who practice the sport and look to you as an example."
Fast-food chain Quick has cancelled an ad campaign featuring Anelka and removed images of him from all advertising.
The Credit Agricole bank has also withdrawn its sponsorship in disgust.
French football bosses have blamed senior players William Gallas and Thierry Henry for plotting the team's World Cup mutiny.
Official Henri Monteil said: "Three or four are leaders taking the rest along with them. Some went to see Domenech. They were crying, saying sorry for what happened. They were young players.
"The leaders are players who'll never play in a World Cup again. Who? William Gallas, Eric Abidal and Thierry Henry, who is friends with Nicolas Anelka."
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France's football team will fly home in disgrace on a second-class flight after their disastrous World Cup ended in defeat against South Africa.
irelandflag irelandflag irelandflag irelandflag irelandflag irelandflag irelandflag irelandflag irelandflag irelandflag irelandflag irelandflag irelandflag irelandflag
France's players during a training session in Knysna, South Africa
Before a ball had even been kicked in the game, France's players were ordered to pack their bags, ready for the journey home.
A coach was booked to wait outside the stadium to take the players directly to the airport.
Their World Cup tournament ended with a 2-1 defeat against the hosts while Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0 in the other group match.
The results mean Mexico and Uruguay go through to the knockout stages.
Coach Raymond Domenech and striker Nicolas Anelka
France will not be allowed to return to their five-star hotel and face the ultimate humiliation of a second-class flight back to Paris today.
The French media reacted quickly to the defeat describing it "une catastrophe".
Disgruntled fans in Paris spoke to Sky's Alex Rossi about the elimination.
One furious supporter said: "I am happy this is the end for this team - I am happy this is finished for them."
Rossi added: "For the French team, they are coming home in disgrace and they will fly home in second class seats, such is the disgust at their behaviour."
France's elimination from the tournament was well-predicted after the players refused to train on Sunday.
The strike followed Chelsea star Nicolas Anelka being sent home from South Africa for insulting coach Raymond Domenech.
The French media has launched scathing attacks on the entire squad, with one newspaper describing the players as acting like "a bunch of seven-year-olds".
French sports minister Roselyne Bachelot said: "I told the players that they are perhaps no longer heroes for our children.
Bachelot: 'I told the players they'd tarnished the image of France.'
"It is the dreams of your partners, your friends, your supporters that you have broken. It is the image of France that you have tarnished."
Online newspaper Le Post revealed that the French Football Federation was so sure the team would lose their final match that it chartered the plane to fly them home three days ago.
It wrote: "They arrived travelling first class on a new Airbus A380. But they will be going back on an older Boeing 737, second class and with no special extras.
"The plane was booked three days ago, and will take off right after their match with South Africa should they be eliminated, without stopping off at their hotel."
Meanwhile, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and finance minister Christine Lagarde have described the squad's behaviour as "unacceptable".
Ms Lagarde told the players: "When you wear the French national colours you have added responsibilities.
"There are young children, young adolescents who practice the sport and look to you as an example."
Fast-food chain Quick has cancelled an ad campaign featuring Anelka and removed images of him from all advertising.
The Credit Agricole bank has also withdrawn its sponsorship in disgust.
French football bosses have blamed senior players William Gallas and Thierry Henry for plotting the team's World Cup mutiny.
Official Henri Monteil said: "Three or four are leaders taking the rest along with them. Some went to see Domenech. They were crying, saying sorry for what happened. They were young players.
"The leaders are players who'll never play in a World Cup again. Who? William Gallas, Eric Abidal and Thierry Henry, who is friends with Nicolas Anelka."
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