Statements from Romelu Lukaku and Kick It Out
Romelu Lukaku and Kick It Out have jointly issued statements regarding comments made by the campaign’s ‘Next 20’ ambassador to Sky Sports about Nicolas Anelka and the FA investigation into the ‘quenelle’ gesture on Monday (20 January).
Statement from Romelu Lukaku
“I want to make clear that I was supporting a friend and player I have admired since I was a child.
“I apologise if I caused any offence with my comments as this was never my intention. There has been a misunderstanding and I want to clarify that I was in no way endorsing the gesture made by Nicolas.
“I am proud to be a ‘Next 20’ ambassador for Kick It Out and will continue to inform young people of the harmful effects discrimination of any kind can have.”
Statement from Kick It Out
“Kick It Out has sought clarity from Romelu Lukaku on comments made to Sky Sports about Nicolas Anelka and the FA investigation into the ‘quenelle’ gesture. Romelu has clearly stated that he had no intention to support the gesture made by Anelka.
“The campaign continues to work with Romelu as a ‘Next 20’ ambassador and will look to guide him, in partnership with community organisations, on the sensitivity of issues covering all forms of discrimination moving forward.”