Nicolas Anelka faces FA probe after ‘anti-Semetic’ goal celebration

10 years ago | Posted in: Sports | 708 Views

Nicolas Anelka could be in hot water with the Football Association after celebrating his goal in West Brom’s 3-3 draw at West Ham with an allegedly anti-Semetic gesture.

The former Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City striker has been accused by Jewish organisations of making the controversial gesture known as the ‘quenelle’.

It is growing in popularity in Anelka’s native France and he appeared to mimick it after scoring at Upton Park by placing his left hand on his right shoulder with his right arm extended.

There have been complaints that it a reverse Nazi salute first used eight years ago by anti-establishment comedian Dieudonne M’Bala M’Bala.

Jewish groups have complained about its growing use to France president Francois Hollande last week but M’Bala M’Bala, who has been pictured making the gesture with Anelka, insists it is anti-Zionist rather than anti-Jewish.

Nonetheless, Anelka will face an FA investigation into the gesture as it is likely to have caused offence.

The Daily Mirror reports that the quenelle has become a sick viral craze across the Channel, with youths trying to perform the sign in the most offensive place possible, then uploading pictures and videos to social media.

Montpellier’s Mathieu Deplagne has also celebrated a goal in this manner after scoring in the French League Cup at the start of the year.

source: metro UK

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