KNYSNA, South Africa - The France players boycotted a training session on Sunday in support of Nicolas Anelka, a day after he was kicked out of the World Cup for insulting Raymond Domenech.

The France coach read out to reporters a statement by the players in which they explained they had decided not to train to protest against the decision to send the striker home.

Anelka was removed after insulting Domenech at halftime of a 2-0 defeat by Mexico.

"The players are unanimously against the French Football Federation's decision to expel Nicolas Anelka", said the statement.

Sunday's public session had already been halted after a furious row between captain Patrice Evra and fitness coach Robert Duverne, leading to the immediate resignation of the team director.

France, facing an early exit, still plan to play their final Group A game against South Africa on Tuesday in Bloemfontein.

"They will do everything individually and in a collective spirit" on the pitch on Tuesday, the statement read.

reuters

(China Daily 06/21/2010 page12)