Nicolas Anelka laughs off France ban
Nicolas Anelka has dismissed his 18-match international ban by the French Football Federation, saying he is “laughing” at the ban.
The Chelsea striker was one of five players called to a disciplinary hearing yesterday after a squad revolt at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Anelka had an argument with Raymond Domenech during the tournament and allegedly launched a foul-mouthed tirade at the then national team coach. The 31-year-old was sent home for his actions and in protest at the decision to oust him from the France camp, the rest of the squad refused to take part in a training session.
French newspaper France Soir quoted Anelka as saying that: “This whole thing is a nonsense, to turn the page because [new coach] Laurent Blanc needs to be able to work in peace. These people are clowns. I'm dying with laughter. The whole commission thing is a charade not to lose face." He added that he believed the ban to be pointless because he already considered his international career to be over after he flew home from South Africa.
Finished bottom of group
The revolt was a one of the factors that led to France finishing bottom of a group they’d been favourites to top at the tournament, having scored just once and won a single point from three matches.
Team captain and Manchester United defender Patrice Evra was handed a five-game ban for his part in the revolt. Vice-captain and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery was handed a three-game suspension for failing to help keep the squad under control, while Olympique Lyonnais player Jeremy Toulalan was given a one-match ban after reportedly recruiting his press officer to help the players draft a letter explaining their actions.
Eric Abidal, of Barcelona, was also called to face the disciplinary committee after refusing to play in France’s last game at the tournament – a 2-1 loss to the hosts – but escaped punishment.
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