Nicolas Anelka laughs off 18-match France ban for World Cup fiasco

18 August 2010 09:20
The FFF came down hard yesterday [Tuesday] on the Chelsea striker for his part in the internal strife which contributed to France's early exit from the World Cup in South Africa. [LNB]Patrice Evra was handed a five-match ban, Franck Ribery a three-match suspension, Jeremy Toulalan a one-game ban, while Eric Abidal and the remaining members of the 23-man squad have escaped further punishment, having already missed the first match of Laurent Blanc's reign as coach. [LNB] Related ArticlesNicolas Anelka banned for 18 gamesAnelka banned by France for 18 matchesFrance players called to World Cup hearingNorway spoil Blanc's startNew France coach Blanc recalls BenzemaFrance suspend entire World Cup squadFor 31-year-old Anelka the punishment will almost certainly mean he finishes his international career on 69 caps. [LNB]The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker appeared unconcerned and reserved his ire for the disciplinary commission of the FFF. [LNB]He told France-Soir: "For me, this whole commission thing is a nonsense, a charade not to lose face. The so-called punishment has no relevance whatsoever because, for me, the French national team was an issue which ended on June 19 when I was kicked out of the training centre at Knysna. [LNB]"This is just to entertain the public, to turn the page because Laurent Blanc needs to be able to work in peace. These people are clowns. I am dying with laughter."[LNB]Anelka, Evra, Abidal, Ribery and Toulalan were called to the hearing to discuss the behaviour of the national team during the World Cup, when in-fighting led to them being eliminated at the group stage. [LNB]France's campaign descended into farce after the squad went on strike after Anelka was sent home from South Africa following an altercation with then coach Raymond Domenech. [LNB]France also finished bottom of their group after scoring just one goal and earning one point in three matches. [LNB]The fall-out from the team's lamentable performance led to new coach Blanc suspending all 23 members of the World Cup squad from his selection from the friendly against Norway in Oslo earlier this month, while the FFF also withheld bonuses owed to the players. [LNB]Barcelona defender Abidal, Manchester United defender Evra and Toulalan, of Lyon, appeared at the hearing, while Anelka and Bayern Munich winger Ribery sent representatives. [LNB]

Source: Telegraph