FA probing West Brom player's 'anti-Semitic' gesture during side's PL draw

The English Football Association (FA) is reportedly investigating France's sports minister accusing West Bromwich Albion player Nicolas Anelka of making a 'disgusting anti-Semitic' celebration during his side's 3-3 draw at West Ham United in the Premier League.

Former France international Anelka, who scored his first two goals for the club in the game, had not played since the 4-1 defeat by former club Liverpool on October 26.

According to the BBC, Sport Minister Valerie Fourneyron criticised Anelka for making the 'quenelle', which is described as an inverted Nazi salute, saying that the gesture is a shocking provocation and disgusting as there is no place for anti-Semitism on the football field.

However, Anelka has defended his action, saying that the gesture was a special dedication to his friend and French comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, whose shows have also come under the French government's hit list for the comedian's use of the gesture.

Jewish groups had complained to French president Francois Hollande about Dieudonne's trademark gesture, which they linked to increasing anti-Semitic remarks and acts in France, the report added.