Nicolas Anelka: West Brom striker 'surprised by celebration criticism'
Last updated at 16:57
A Nicolas Anelka goal celebration was a tribute to a friend and not intended as an anti-Semitic gesture, according to West Brom caretaker boss Keith Downing.
The striker made the 'quenelle' salute during Saturday's 3-3 draw at West Ham.
It is used by French comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, but has also been described as an inverted Nazi salute.
'It has got nothing to do what is being said. It is absolute rubbish,' Downing said. 'It is dedicated to a French comedian he knows very, very well.'
Anelka's celebration, after he scored to make it 1-1, was criticised by some Twitter users. The Press Association reports that the Football Association is looking into the matter.
Downing said Anelka was 'totally surprised' by the furore.
On Friday the French government announced it was studying legal ways to ban shows by Dieudonne.
Jewish groups had complained to President Francois Hollande about Dieudonne's trademark gesture, which they described as a 'Nazi salute in reverse'. They linked it to increasing anti-Semitic remarks and acts in France.
In return Dieudonne has threatened to sue the groups for calling it a Nazi salute.
He calls it 'la quenelle' - a word for a fish dumpling - and says it stands for his anti-Zionist and anti-establishment views, not anti-Semitism.
Former France international Anelka, 34, scored his first two goals for the club in Saturday's draw with the Hammers. He had not played since the 4-1 defeat by former club Liverpool on 26 October.
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