Hull player earns fine for perceived support of quenelle celebration

The ‘quenelle’ lessons continue to be learned, and this time it’s hitting a Hull City player in the wallet.

Yannick Sagbo made the mistake of posting a photograph of Nicolas Anelka’s now infamous goal celebration on Twitter along with a message of support, and the perceived high-five to anti-Semitism is going to cost the striker about $25,000.

The Tweet earned him the charge of aggravated misconduct from the Football Association. Sagbo admitted the charge and was warned over future conduct. He’ll also have to attend a class, and the player and FA can appeal the decision.

The celebration has now cost Anelka a job, West Bromwich Albion some sponsors and Sagbo some money. It’s also gotten its inventor, French “comedian” Dieudonne, banned from the United Kingdom.

Hatred: it’s not-so-hilarious.

Hull manager Steve Bruce had apologized on behalf of Sagbo:

“It’s difficult with Yannick, we need to use an interpreter. He doesn’t speak a lot of English. It’s broken.

“He doesn’t understand why he’s been charged. He tweeted that Nicolas Anelka’s a legend. In some people’s eyes, he is. That’s nothing to do with his gesture. He’s been a great player.

“But we’ve now got into the realms of what offends people and what doesn’t. If we have offended anyone, on behalf of the club, I can only apologise.”

Pretty see-through.

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