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Patrice Evra Says Edouard Mendy's Lev Yashin Trophy Snub Was Racially Motivated

Patrice Evra Says Edouard Mendy's Lev Yashin Trophy Snub Was Racially Motivated

Patrice Evra slammed Ballon d'Or.

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Patrice Evra has appeared to suggest that Chelsea's Edouard Mendy was denied winning the Lev Yashin trophy for racial reasons.

Former Manchester United and France full-back Evra was not impressed as he watched PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma - who won Euro 2020 with Italy - pick up the award instead of Champions League winner Mendy.

Speaking on Instagram, Evra said: "The goalkeeper... what about Edouard Mendy? But of course, African Cup, we are the monkeys, so no one respects this competition.

"We are the only competition where you have to leave your club, leave for three weeks and play that cup because in Africa we always have a little space.

"But things will change, things will change."

Image: PA
Image: PA

Senegal-born Evra clearly feels that the country's No 1 was undeservedly overlooked for the award for best goalkeeper, which Donnarumma won ahead of him at the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday night.

After Chelsea's rampant 4-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League a week ago, astonishingly, Mendy had conceded fewer goals at Stamford Bridge this season than Juve's goalkeeper on the night, former Arsenal shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny.

The Pole was playing there for the first time this term. For Mendy, it was match number nine. It's now four conceded each, following Jadon Sancho's opening goal in Chelsea's draw with Manchester United last weekend.

Mendy has no doubt enjoyed a superb year. But Donnarumma claimed top prize having helped Italy past Spain and England in penalty shootouts with decisive saves in the Euros semi-finals and final.

He has since signed for PSG who already in early December look set to return to winning ways in Ligue 1 this year.

In the Premier League so far, Mendy has conceded just five goals in 12 matches this season. Even more impressive is his save percentage, which currently stands at an almighty 91.2% and has been above 96% at points. As a £22m replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga, he has been a revelation.


By Dom Smith

Featured Image Credit: Patrice Evra/PA

Topics: Edouard Mendy, Football, Patrice Evra