Sevilla

Sevilla's Kanouté Fined For Palestine Message

Freddy Kanouté has today been handed a fine for revealing a message of support to Palestine after scoring against Deportivo La Coruña...

Jan 9, 2009 6:14:05 PM

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Fred Kanoute, Sevilla (Marca)

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Freddy Kanouté has been handed a €3,000 fine by the Spanish Competition Committee today, for his post-goal celebration on Wednesday evening.

The Malian striker lifted his top to reveal a t-shirt with the word Palestine across the front, as well as words in Arabic, and has been found worthy of a punishment under article 120.

The rule prohibits players from revealing messages of a religious or political nature on the pitch, and hence Kanouté has been fined €3,000, according to AS.

The news comes on the same day that Miguel was handed a three-match ban for his rant at a linesman, and Vicente was given his ban for a red card, all on the same evening in the Copa Del Rey.

Kanouté did receive thanks following the message though from many fans, and also from the Palestine embassy in Spain.

Similarly, the Israeli ambassador in Spain did not see anything wrong with the message, saying that it would not 'incite violence.'

However, the Competition Committee have decided to stick to the rules and have given Kanouté a fine for his actions.

Sevilla take on Deportivo La Coruña in La Liga this weekend, and then also meet them again next week in the return leg of their Copa Del Rey tie.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com