EMMANUEL EMENIKE sent off for obscene Gesture

Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike scored a vital goal for Spartak Moscow as they came from behind to record an impressive 3:2 away win over Russian champions Zenit St. Petersburg in a league game on Sunday.Emenike,24, was sent off in the 85th minute for what the referee called an obscene gesture.The Nigerian put his right palm on his left elbow when celebrating his goal in the 84th minute.The celebration was reportedly directed to the Zenit supporters.''Until now, I remain shocked on the decision of the referee.I do not understand why I was removed.It was the usual celebration of a goal.I just patted my hand like Samuel Eto'o did in the Champions League final.''And as soon as I scored,if you noticed,I ran towards the podium of the Spartak fans.I am sure that the relevant football authorities will eliminate this misunderstanding,and will make a fair decision - to cancel the red card,'' Emenike told Official website of Spartak Moscow.According to Russian News Agency,Ria Novosti, Spartak Moscow intend to appeal the decision of the referee.''The referee didn’t understand the incident with Emenike’s goal.Emenike was just clapping, just applauding.We’ve got a crucial game with Lokomotiv coming up and we’ve lost our main striker.We’ll submit an appeal against this decision,'' Spartak assistant coach Andrei Tikhonov told RIA Novosti.