Friday, 24th January, 2014
Nicolas Anelka will contest the FA's charge against him over his 'quenelle' gesture, the governing body has confirmed.
Anelka could face a minimum five-match ban should the charges of using a seemingly anti-semitic gesture be proven.
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The West Bromwich Albion forward is alleged to have breached FA rules with the quenelle celebration – a reverse Nazi salute – and has asked for a personal hearing.
Anelka is charged with using a gesture that was "abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting and/or improper" and could constitute an "aggravated breach" of rules.
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And the FA yesterday confirmed Anelka's response, saying in a statement: "Nicolas Anelka has replied to a charge in relation to an incident that occurred during the West Ham United versus West Bromwich Albion fixture at the Boleyn Ground on 28th December, 2013.
"Anelka, the West Bromwich Albion player, has denied the charge and requested a personal hearing."
The incident has had repercussions for West Brom as a club with shirt sponsors Zoopla announcing earlier this week they will not renew their agreement at the end of the season.
Anelka has twice made public his denial of being "racist or anti-semitic" and had urged the FA to remove the charges.
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