Lukaku says sorry for defending Anelka over 'Quenelle' gesture after Kick It Out threatened to drop Everton star from ambassador role

Romelu Lukaku has apologised for any offence caused by his comments regarding Nicolas Anelka earlier this week.
Lukaku, the 20-year-old Belgium striker who is on loan at Everton from Chelsea, featured in a video interview posted on the Toffees' website in which he said there did not have to be 'such a big deal' made about Anelka's controversial 'quenelle' celebration and that he thought the West Brom frontman should not be banned over it.
The quenelle, a pose Anelka struck after scoring against West Ham on December 28, has been labelled anti-Semitic and an inverted Nazi salute, and Anelka must respond to a Football Association charge concerning his demonstration of it by 6pm on Thursday.

Friends: Romelu Lukaku and Nicolas Anelka (left) embrace ahead of Monday's clash at the Hawthorns

Nice to see you: West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu joins Anelka in talking to Lukaku

Lukaku said in a statement: '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.'

Gesture: Anelka has been charged by the FA following an investigation into this goal celebration at West Ham

The statement was issued through anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, for whom Lukaku is an ambassador.
Reports had suggested he faced being dropped from that role as a result of the interview.
And alongside the Lukaku statement, Kick It Out also on Thursday issued one from the group, saying: '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 (the interview that appeared on Everton's website).

Bad morning: Nicolas Anelka drives away from training with the West Brom squad on Tuesday

Behind the wheel: Anelka escaped the gaze of the waiting photographers in his blue Ferrari

No hiding place: Nicolas Anelka was in West Brom's line-up against Everton on Monday night

'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.'
Lukaku added in his statement: '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.'

Acrobat: Lukaku tries an ambitious attempt on goal during Everton's draw at West Brom