France bans Anelka for 18 matches

Soccer Betting Lines

08/17/2010 - Paris, France (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - World Cup rebel Nicolas Anelka was banned for 18 matches by the French Football Federation on Tuesday following his conduct at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

The Chelsea striker was sent home from the tournament following an argument with coach Raymond Domenech during halftime of France's match against Mexico.

The 31-year-old now seems unlikely to play for Les Bleus again following confirmation of his ban after a French Football Federation investigation which culminated on Tuesday.

France bowed out of the World Cup at the first hurdle after failing to win any of their group stage games. After Anelka's clash at halftime of the 2-0 loss, the French players subsequently refused to train in the build-up to a 2-1 defeat to South Africa which ended their hopes of reaching the second round.

At the hearing, captain Patrice Evra of Manchester United was banned for five games following his role in the strike. Teammates Franck Ribery and Jeremy Toulalan were suspended for three matches and one game, respectively.

Speaking after the Paris hearing, former deputy team managing director Jean- Louis Valentin said: "I sensed that the players are truthfully sorry and been left damaged and mortified at what took place.

"I believe that now it is imperative we turn the page and move on."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)

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