Anelka faces a minimum five-match ban after the FA finally made a decision on his controversial ‘quenelle’ celebration yesterday. He was charged with abusive behaviour under rule E3 (1), including a reference to ‘ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion or belief’.
The 34-year-old, who started Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Everton at The Hawthorns, has until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the charge.
Anelka was charged for making the gesture – described as an inverted Nazi salute after scoring against West Ham on December 28. But it has taken this long for the FA to come to aconclusion over the controversial celebration which has offended many.
However, Anichebe, who made his comeback from injury Monday night against his former club, believes the Baggies could handle life without Anelka.
Asked about a ban, Anichebe said: “We’ve got a lot of good players here.
“If I play, Saido Berahino plays or Matej Vydra plays, we’ll give it our all. I don’t pay attention to anything in the media.
“I just concentrate on coming into training and working hard and trying to stay fit. The stuff with Nico will take care of itself. It’s got nothing to do with me.”
After the game and prior to yesterday’s FA charge, Anelka tweeted his thanks for the support he has received from Albion. It was the first time he has taken to Twitter since the incident at Upton Park.
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