NICOLAS ANELKA HAS defended his controversial ‘quenelle’ celebration in West Brom’s 3-3 draw at West Ham on Saturday.
The Frenchman put his side 2-1 ahead at Upton Park, but courted controversy when celebrating his first with a gesture that has been linked to anti-establishment, but also alleged anti-Semitic, connotations in his homeland.
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Anelka subsequently came in for criticism, with the Football Association confirming that that they will open an investigation into his actions.
Meanwhile, the European Jewish Congress have also called for the 34-year-old to be punished, describing his actions as “sickening” and “abusive”.
However, Anelka – who was defended after the match by West Brom’s interim coach Keith Downing – took to social media on Sunday to plead his innocence, blaming the media’s reaction for “duping” fans, and insisting that he meant no offence to anyone of Jewish faith.
He wrote on his official Twitter page: “Meaning of quenelle: anti-system. I do not know what the word religion has to do with this story!
“This celebration is a dedication to (friend and comedian) Dieudonne (M’bala M’bala).
“With regard to the Ministers who give their own interpretations of my actions, these are the ones who create the confusion and controversy without knowing what something really means! I shall therefore ask the people not to be duped by the media.
“And of course, I am neither anti-Semitic nor racist and I totally defend my gesture.”
Right here. He has to go. His refusal to make changes is destroying the teams chances if winning. It’s more than a 15 man game. Somebody tell him that. Kidney OUT
Declan Kidney has to GET OUT. Just like O Sullivan he’s afraid to use an alternative line up and slow as turtles shagging to use the bench. As long as he stays Ireland can get comfortable being nothing more than an average team in this competition. Not first but not last either. Not good enough in my view. We’re a far cry from the grand slam years now
Really should have won that one. Too many unforced individual errors. Think Kidney should have made the changes earlier too. 3 games in and only pride left to play for. Again.
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Ireland leave Stade de France undefeated!
Bowe is the man
Rte should mute Ryle Nugent and tony ward so we can listen to the deadly tuba and brass music in the background.
Here is our good start, can we keep it up !
Where are the sack Kidney crowd now?
Still here Leslie, cos we can and should be doing this in every single game.
Sack kidney
Right here. He has to go. His refusal to make changes is destroying the teams chances if winning. It’s more than a 15 man game. Somebody tell him that. Kidney OUT
We could of won, I knew at 65th minute we should off gone for the drop goal. But hey hindsight is a great thing.
Fair play to the second round Irish supporters, and the team for not losing. :-)
Come on IRELAND !!!
Declan Kidney has to GET OUT. Just like O Sullivan he’s afraid to use an alternative line up and slow as turtles shagging to use the bench. As long as he stays Ireland can get comfortable being nothing more than an average team in this competition. Not first but not last either. Not good enough in my view. We’re a far cry from the grand slam years now
Noooooooooooooooooo
Really should have won that one. Too many unforced individual errors. Think Kidney should have made the changes earlier too. 3 games in and only pride left to play for. Again.
Im sorry Tommy Bowe but Rob Kearney was man of the match.
I tell you now to win this game we need to score 2 more tries
Come on, Ireland!
I’m sick of this overrated team. Had it in the bag and let it go. A disgrace to our country! Days like today make me feel ashamed to be Irish.
Then go support someone else
@Denis. Youuuu Plonkerrrrr!
Did our bad line outs cost us a draw