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Hull player earns fine for perceived support of quenelle celebration

Chelsea v Hull City - Premier League

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: John Terry of Chelsea challenges Yannick Sagbo of Hull City during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on August 18, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

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The ‘quenelle’ lessons continue to be learned, and this time it’s hitting a Hull City player in the wallet.

Yannick Sagbo made the mistake of posting a photograph of Nicolas Anelka’s now infamous goal celebration on Twitter along with a message of support, and the perceived high-five to anti-Semitism is going to cost the striker about $25,000.

The Tweet earned him the charge of aggravated misconduct from the Football Association. Sagbo admitted the charge and was warned over future conduct. He’ll also have to attend a class, and the player and FA can appeal the decision.

The celebration has now cost Anelka a job, West Bromwich Albion some sponsors and Sagbo some money. It’s also gotten its inventor, French “comedian” Dieudonne, banned from the United Kingdom.

Hatred: it’s not-so-hilarious.

Hull manager Steve Bruce
had apologized on behalf of Sagbo:

“It’s difficult with Yannick, we need to use an interpreter. He doesn’t speak a lot of English. It’s broken.

“He doesn’t understand why he’s been charged. He tweeted that Nicolas Anelka’s a legend. In some people’s eyes, he is. That’s nothing to do with his gesture. He’s been a great player.

“But we’ve now got into the realms of what offends people and what doesn’t. If we have offended anyone, on behalf of the club, I can only apologise.”


Pretty see-through.

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