France’s disastrous World Cup campaign was plunged into fresh chaos on Sunday when the players refused to train in protest at the decision to send home star striker Nicolas Anelka.
Amid chaotic scenes at the team’s training base, the players released a statement protesting at the Chelsea striker’s exclusion from the squad for a foul-mouthed outburst during the defeat to Mexico which left France facing elimination. “All the players in the French squad without exception wish to affirm their opposition to the decision taken by the French Football Federation to exclude Nicolas Anelka,” said the statement.
The tensions in the French camp rose to the surface when the players travelled to the pitch in Knysna in their bus, but — led by captain Patrice Evra — refused to start the session. Evra had a shouting match with France’s fitness coach Robert Duverne prior to the scheduled session, leading to embattled coach Raymond Domenech having to intervene. A furious Duverne stormed off and threw his stopwatch towards the far end of the pitch in frustration, in full view of TV cameras.
Meanwhile, French midfielder Franck Ribery said he was in “tears” when expelled striker Nicolas Anelka left the team on Sunday and that the hunt was on for the “traitor” who leaked details of his outburst against the coach. “A traitor blabbed a few things. We won’t be relieved until we know who it was,” Ribery told French television.