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Rebel Anelka banned by France

17 Aug 2010 - 18:10:26

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World Cup rebel Nicolas Anelka has been banned for 18 matches by the French Football Federation following his conduct in South Africa.

The Chelsea striker was sent home from the tournament following a row with coach Raymond Domenech.

The 31-year-old now seems unlikely to play for Les Bleus again following confirmation of his ban after a French Football Federation investigation which culminated on Tuesday.

France bowed out of the World Cup at the first hurdle after failing to win any of their group stage games.

Anelka's bust-up with his now former international coach came at half-time in their second match of a turbulent tournament, which ended in 2-0 defeat to Mexico.

The French players subsequently refused to train in the build-up to a 2-1 defeat to South Africa which ended their hopes of reaching the second round.

At the hearing, captain Patrice Evra of Manchester United was banned for five games following his role in the strike. Team-mates Franck Ribery and Jeremy Toulalan were suspended for three matches and one game respectively.

Speaking after the Paris hearing, former deputy team managing director Jean-Louis Valentin said: "I sensed that the players are truthfully sorry and been left damaged and mortified at what took place.

"I believe that now it is imperative we turn the page and move on."