World Cup 2010: Nicolas Anelka sent home over coach row

Domenech (right) chose Anelka to start France's first two games

France striker Nicolas Anelka has been sent home from the World Cup after verbally insulting coach Raymond Domenech during the Mexico game.

The Chelsea star missed training on Saturday after reports of a row with the France coach during their 2-0 loss.

And he later refused to apologise when asked to by French Football Federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes.

An FFF statement said the 31-year-old's half-time comments to Domenech were "totally unacceptable".

The statement continued: "Faced by the refusal of the player to publicly apologise, he (Escalettes) took the decision in total agreement with the coach and the official members of the delegation present to exclude Nicolas Anelka from the squad."

606: DEBATE Were France right to send Anelka home?

France captain Patrice Evra also attended the meeting with Anelka at the French training camp in Knysa.

And Evra accused a "traitor" within the French camp of leaking the story to the media.

"The problem of France is not Anelka, but the traitor among us.

"We must eliminate the traitor from the group because he wants to hurt the team," the Manchester United full-back said.

Anelka, a League and FA Cup double winner with Chelsea this season, has won 71 international caps.

He scored twice on his debut against England in 1999 but later spent three years in the international wilderness after refusing to play for Les Bleus under coach Jacques Santini.

France captain Evra was grim-faced as he gave his reaction to the story

Domenech brought Anelka back into the fold in 2005 but left him out of France's squad for the World Cup in Germany the following year.

It was only a temporary omission and Anelka scored in the first leg ofthe qualifying play-off against the Republic of Ireland last November when France secured their place in South Africa.

He was also in the starting line-up for both of France's first group games but failed to hit the net in the 0-0 draw with Uruguay and the loss to Mexico.

France's poor start to the competition has left their hopes of qualification from Group A out of their hands.

There were reports earlier in the week that Domenech had also had a training ground bust-up with midfielder Florent Malouda.

And the team has been urged to show greater dignity for the remainder of the tournament.

French sports minister Roselyne Bachelot said in a statement: "The very high pressure weighing on Les Bleus does not authorise any form of slip-up.

"The players must keep in mind that they're wearing France's colours and are considered as role models by many youngsters.

"This obliges them to show restraint and dignity."

If Mexico and Uruguay draw in their final match, France will be eliminated.

Highlights - France 0-2 Mexico