Romelu Lukaku: 'Nicolas Anelka should not be banned for quenelle gesture'

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has leapt to the defence of Nicolas Anelka over his anti-Semitic 'quenelle' gesture.

West Bromwich Albion striker Anelka was charged by the Football Association today and now faces a minimum five-game ban, something that Lukaku doesn't agree with.

Lukaku looked perplexed when told that Anelka could be banned for five matches and said of the Frenchman on a video on Everton's official website: "He was my idol since I was a kid and he still is.

"He should never be banned for [the gesture], he was just supporting a stand-up comedian (Dieudonne) in France.

"We shouldn't make such a big deal about it. He's an adult and, for me, I hope he doesn't get suspended because he's a player that people like to see on the pitch."

The Belgian striker was speaking after coming up against Anelka and West Brom last night in the Premier League. The game finished 1-1.