Anelka laughs off France ban

(GSM) – Nicolas Anelka has claimed that he was “dying with laughter” despite being handed a 18-match suspension by the French Football Federation on Tuesday.

The FFF came down hard yesterday on the Chelsea striker for his role in the internal strife which contributed towards the Les Bleus’ early exit from the World Cup in South Africa.

Patrice Evra was handed a five-match ban, Franck Ribery a three-match suspension, Jeremy Toulalan a one-game ban, while Eric Abidal and the remaining members of the 23-man squad have escaped further punishment, having already missed the first match of Laurent Blanc’s reign as coach.

And for the 31-year-old Anelka the punishment will almost certainly mean he finishes his international career on 69 caps.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker appeared unconcerned and reserved his ire for the disciplinary commission of the FFF.

He told France-Soir: “For me, this whole commission thing is a nonsense, a charade not to lose face.

“The so-called punishment has no relevance whatsoever because, for me, the French national team was an issue which ended on June 19 when I was kicked out of the training centre at Knysna.

“This is just to entertain the public, to turn the page because Laurent Blanc needs to be able to work in peace.

“These people are clowns. I am dying with laughter.”