Lukaku’s Anelka defence ‘own view’

Everton have distanced themselves from on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku’s defence of Nicolas Anelka over his controversial ‘quenelle’ gesture.

The Belgium forward, 20, featured in a video interview posted on the Toffees’ website in which he said there did not have to be “such a big deal” made about the West Brom player’s actions.

However, with comment growing on social media, Everton removed the footage when they became aware there was an issue.

“It is the player’s opinion and not the opinion held by the football club,” Everton’s director of communications Alan Myers said.

Lukaku, who is an ambassador for football’s anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, said after Monday’s 1-1 draw at West Brom: “He was my idol as a kid and he still is.

“I don’t think he should be banned for that, he was just supporting a comedian in France. We don’t have to make such a big deal about it.”

Yesterday Anelka was charged by the Football Association with making an improper gesture and that it was an aggravated breach, in that it included “a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion or belief”. The offence carries a minimum five-match ban.

The Toffees, meanwhile, face an anxious wait to discover the extent of Seamus Coleman’s hamstring problem suffered at The Hawthorns.