Thursday, January 29, 2009

FA set to study Kalou celebration

Salomon Kalou in action for Chelsea
Kalou said his celebration was about his strength

The Football Association has confirmed it will examine Salomon Kalou's 'handcuff' goal celebrations in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.

The striker crossed his wrists after scoring both goals, but Chelsea denied claims the Ivory Coast international's actions were politically motivated.

Kalou said he was not making a show of solidarity for compatriot and recently freed activist Antoine Assale Tiemoko.

An FA spokesman said: "We are going to look at the relevant footage."

Kalou struck in the 58th and 81st minutes at Stamford Bridge, celebrating both goals by waving his hand in front of face before crossing his wrists.

"People are always going to think there is something in what you do, but it didn't mean anything," he said.

606: DEBATE
newTrueBlue4life

"I was just happy. I don't even know the guy - it has nothing to do with football. It wasn't for him, I don't know him so I don't know why I should celebrate for him?"

After his arrest in December 2007, Tiemoko was released from a one-year prison sentence last month following a conviction of 'libelling the prosecutor's office' and being in 'contempt of court'.

He recently criticised judicial corruption in the Ivory Coast in a newspaper article.

The FA fined Ipswich's David Norris £5,000 last year for a handcuff celebration in support of jailed former Plymouth team-mate Luke McCormick, while Everton midfielder Tim Cahill was forced to apologise for a similar gesture dedicated to his jailed brother Sean.

No comments: