West Brom Insist Anelka is still Part of the Club
Oladunjoye Opeyemi
West Bromwich Albion insist french Striker, Nicolas Anelka has not formally quit the club as the drama surrounding him continues.
Anelka was recently given a five-match suspension by the Football Association for his controversial ‘quenelle’ gesture and dramatically announced on Friday that he would not play for Albion again.
However, a Baggies statement says “The club confirms it has been continuing discussions with Nicolas Anelka and his advisers as part of its own internal enquiry into the gesture he made after scoring against West Ham United on December 28.
“Following the conclusion of the FA’s enquiry into the same incident, the club had hoped to conclude its own investigations next week.
“The club notes Nicolas Anelka’s comments on Twitter this evening (Friday). However, the club has received nothing formally regarding the termination of Nicolas Anelka’s contract from either him or his advisers.
“The club regards the release of such a statement on Social Media as highly unprofessional and will make a further statement when appropriate.”
Earlier in the day, the Frenchman announced that he was told by the club that he could return to the West Brom ‘group’ only under certain conditions which he could not accept – and he has therefore released himself from his contract.
Anelka sent three tweets, in French. They translate as: “Following talks between the club and me, propositions were made to me in order to reintegrate me into the squad under certain conditions that I cannot accept.
“Wishing to retain my integrity, I have therefore taken the decision to free myself and put an end to the contract linking me with West Bromwich Albion to 2014, with immediate effect.”
The ‘quenelle’ gesture is considered anti-Semitic, particularly in France. Anelka insisted he is not racist, and that the gesture is anti-Establishment, not anti-Semitic. The gesture was first performed by a French comedian – and friend of Anelka – Dieudonne, who has convictions for anti-Semitism.
Anelka was charged by the FA with misconduct and found guilty after a two-day hearing at the end of February. An independent regulatory commission however accepted there was no intent by Anelka to be anti-Semitic.
West Brom fined him £80,000 and he was ordered to complete a compulsory education course. The club has yet to confirm Anelka’s revelation that he is set to leave, with their own investigation into the former Arsenal and Real Madrid star’s actions expected to conclude next week.
