Franck Ribery charged in under-age sex probe

France's secretary of state for urban policies, Fadela Amara, said yesterday footballer Franc Ribery, who along with Karim Benzema was charged for having had sex with an under-age prostitute, set a poor example to French youth.

"It is not a good image of a man to give to the youth of France," Amara said in an interview with French news channel iTele, adding: "I am sorry to see a man like Ribery find himself in such a terrible, catastrophic situation."

Ribery arrived for the investigation at the Palace of Justice in Paris in handcuffs, according to witnesses, but was freed without preconditions after the hearing.

Ribery's lawyer Sophie Bottai expressed surprise at the charge.

"The only thing that's new since the last time he was questioned is that the World Cup is over and he played badly," she told reporters here.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!