Monday, 30th December, 2013
West Bromwich Albion forward Nicolas Anelka has denied his goal celebration against West Ham was racist or anti-Semitic.
French Sport Minister Valerie Fourneyron had accused Anelka of anti-Semitism for a "quenelle" gesture he made after scoring against the Hammers in Saturday's 3-3 draw.
The gesture, an inverted Nazi salute, is deemed anti-Semitic in some quarters with French comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala a famous user.
However, Anelka yesterday tweeted his displeasure at the manner of the furore, writing: "The meaning of quenelle is anti-system. I do not know what religion has to do with this story.
relatedNewsStory
"This is a dedication to Dieudonne. I ask people not to be duped by the media.
"With regard to the ministers who give their own interpretations of my quenelle, they are the ones that create confusion and controversy without knowing what it really means.
"Of course, I am neither racist nor anti-Semitic and I fully assume my gesture."
West Brom caretaker manager Keith Downing had expressed his surprise at how Anelka was being targeted, after Fourneyron's outburst.
Following the game, Fourneyron had said: "Anelka's gesture is a shocking provocation, disgusting. There's no place for anti-Semitism on the football field."
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
