Romelu Lukaku surprised he embarrassed Everton after defending Nicolas Anelka over 'quenelle' gesture
The FA charged Nicolas Anelka yesterday and he faces a minimum five-match ban if found guilty
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Everton’s Romelu Lukaku was surprised he had caused his club embarrassment after lending his support to Nicolas Anelka over the West Bromwich Albion striker’s “quenelle” gesture in an interview placed on the Goodison Park side’s website.
Everton accept that the player’s backing for Anelka was an act of naïvety by a 20-year-old and Lukaku expressed bemusement about the fallout of the interview. It was carried out by Sky Sports News and uploaded to the club’s website by media company ADI, which has access to the broadcaster’s Everton material as part of its contract with the club.
The full interview does not appear to have been scrutinised before it was placed on the Everton website, including Lukaku saying of Anelka after Everton’s 1-1 draw at West Bromwich: “He was my idol since I was a kid and still is. He shouldn’t be banned for that [“quenelle”] gesture. He just supported a stand-up comedian in France, so we don’t have to make such a big deal about it.”
Though Everton have apologised for Lukaku’s views, which they acknowledge the player should have kept to himself, there is no question of him being disciplined by the club. It is possible that manager Roberto Martinez will discuss the issue with Lukaku but the player’s age is sure to mitigate in his favour. Everton removed the video when the Anelka section came to light.
Anelka was charged by the Football Association over the gesture yesterday and faces a minimum five-match ban. West Bromwich said in a statement: “The player is now considering his options. Under FA rules, Anelka remains available for first-team selection until the disciplinary process has reached its conclusion.”
Martinez was yesterday at hearing which secured a work permit for Monaco striker Lacina Traoré. A hamstring injury the 6ft 8in forward has been carrying will not impede him joining the club.