Mounting social media criticism failed to sway Luxembourg's football leadership Tuesday as national team coach Luc Holtz maintained his selection of Gerson Rodrigues, stating "I don't feel called to judge a second time" about the convicted player.
Luxembourg's national football coach Luc Holtz faced questions during Tuesday's pre-match press conference about his controversial decision to include Gerson Rodrigues in the squad for upcoming friendlies against Slovenia (6 June) and Ireland (10 June).
The selection comes despite the forward's recent conviction on three counts of assault and battery, including an upheld 18-month suspended sentence for domestic violence.
When addressing the backlash, Holtz acknowledged public opinion was "divided" but defended his choice. "We're in a democracy where everyone may express their view," he stated, emphasising that the judiciary had already ruled on the case. "I don't feel called to judge a second time," Holtz said.
The Luxembourg Football Federation (FLF) confirmed it would impose no additional sanctions beyond the court's decision. Holtz argued that Rodrigues thus remains eligible for selection under federation rules.
The coach appeared frustrated when pressed about social media criticism, noting the issue had not been raised internally. "The team has been together for a week, and this has not come up once – now I'm coming to you and you're making a big deal out of it," Holtz told reporters. "You've got a bigger problem with it than I do. If you feel called to play judge a second time, then that's what you have to do," Holtz concluded.
