Nicolas Anelka had until today to deny the English Football Association’s charge that his ‘quenelle’ goal celebration was improper, an appeal that could double his minimum five-match ban to 10.
Some are saying the 10-match ban would effectively end his career, as Anelka has talked about retirement for a while. If you have any questions about whether his saluting a comedian friend was anti-Semitic, read this post from our own Steve Davis.
In any event, Anelka will continue to deny responsibility and some are saying a 10-match ban would cause West Bromwich Albion to cancel his contract for misconduct.
Here’s West Brom’s statement, which does not offer a ton of support (and why would it? They’ve lost a major sponsor due to his gesture and subsequent reaction and reportedly may lose two more):‘West Bromwich Albion can confirm that Nicolas Anelka has denied an FA charge regarding the gesture he made after scoring his first goal against West Ham United on December 28.
‘The striker has requested a personal hearing. The club will make no further comment until The FA’s disciplinary process has reached a conclusion.”
Continued troubling times at the Hawthorns...