• Striker claims 'quenelle' was tribute to French comedian
• Manager Keith Downing refuses to condemn action
Nicolas Anelka could face a Football Association charge for his controversial goal celebration during Saturday's 3-3 draw with West Ham. West Bromwich Albion's caretaker Keith Downing refused to condemn the French striker for seeming to make a far-right salute after scoring the first of his two goals.
Anelka confirmed to Downing that he did perform a quenelle, or "reverse Nazi salute", after his 40th-minute strike at Upton Park but as far as the West Brom hierarchy are concerned, it was done as a tribute to the French comedian Dieudonné, a friend of Anelka.
"This gesture was just a special dedication to my comedian friend Dieudonné," Anelka tweeted in both French and English on his official account.
Dieudonné is a controversial figure in France, having been accused of insulting the memory of Holocaust victims. The quenelle is Dieudonné's signature gesture, although he insists it is an anti-establishment gesture and not against Jewish people.
On Saturday night the French minister for sport, Valérie Fourneyron, condemned the gesture, describing it as "disgusting", saying through her Twitter account: "Anelka's gesture is a shocking provocation, disgusting. There's no place for antisemitism and incitement to hatred on the football field."
"I'm aware of it but it has got nothing to do with what is being said," Downing replied when asked about the gesture. "It is dedicated to a French comedian he knows, very well.
"I think speculation can be stopped now, it is rubbish really. He is totally unaware of what the problems were or the speculation that has been thrown around, he is totally surprised by it."
It is understood that the FA is aware of the gesture and will be looking into the matter.
Kick It Out, the anti-discrimination campaigning group, said it was assessing the gesture from Anelka and would help the FA if its assistance is requested.
In a statement, Kick It Out said: "Kick It Out has been made aware of West Bromwich Albion striker Nicolas Anelka making an alleged gesture, known as the quenelle, which carries antisemitic connotations during today's fixture against West Ham United at Upton Park.
"The campaign is in contact with partners in England and France regarding this matter and has offered its support to the Football Association in any forthcoming investigation."
The caretaker manager was pleased with Anelka's display and is adamant the former Arsenal and Chelsea player is happy at the Hawthorns. "I thought he had a good game," Downing added. "He combined with Berahino really well. It has been a while since he has played but his dedication and attitude has always been spot on. He is prepared to play and wants to play."
via Football news, match reports and fixtures | theguardian.com http://feeds.theguardian.com/c/34708/f/663845/s/35497b48/sc/12/l/0L0Stheguardian0N0Cfootball0C20A130Cdec0C280Cwest0Ebromwich0Enicolas0Eanelka0Enazi0Egesture/story01.htm
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