The crisis that has engulfed French football is more messy than a night out on the tiles with Calvin Ayre himself, but the federation really is attempting to draw a line under it with their latest stunt. Today’s hearing into the revolt that took place at the summer’s World Cup has seen a number of the senior players given suspensions, the longest to Nicolas Anelka who’s banned for 18 games – the equivalent of over a season. Patrice Evra also received five games, three to Franck Ribery, and one to Jeremy Toulalan. So that’s three of the best players banned for ages, all for sticking up for their mate Nicolas. Read more.
French Football Federation hand down huge bans
