Nicolas Anelka Charged By FA Over Quenelle Gesture

Nicolas Anelka Charged By FA Over Quenelle Gesture
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka gestures as he celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emula
IAN KINGTON via Getty Images

The Football Association has charged West Brom striker Nicolas Anelka following his "quenelle" gesture in the match against West Ham last month.

If found guilty, the Frenchman will receive a minimum five-game ban for the celebration, which some say is an inverted Nazi salute and has anti-Semitic connotations.

Anelka has been charged with making a improper gesture and that it was an aggravated breach, in that it included "a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion or belief."

Anelka, who has denied the goal celebration was intended to be anti-Semitic, made the quenelle salute after scoring in the 3-3 draw against West Ham on December 28.

The FA said in a statement: "The FA has charged the West Bromwich Albion player Nicolas Anelka following an incident that occurred during the West Ham United versus West Bromwich Albion fixture at the Boleyn Ground on 28 December 2013.

Anelka vs West Ham
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka gestures as he celebrates scoring their first goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka (C) gestures as he celebrates scoring their first goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka gestures as he celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka gestures as he celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka (2nd L) gestures as he celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka gestures as he celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka gestures as he celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka looks on during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Nicolas Anelka of West Brom touches his sleeve as he celebrates scoring their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at Boleyn Ground on December 28, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(12 of25)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Nicolas Anelka of West Brom touches his sleeve as he celebrates scoring their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at Boleyn Ground on December 28, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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\West Ham United's Northern Irish defender George McCartney (L) vies with West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Mohamed Diame of West Ham and Nicolas Anelka of West Brom go up for a header during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at Boleyn Ground on December 28, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(15 of25)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Nicolas Anelka of West Brom celebrates scoring their first goal with Saido Berahino of West Brom during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at Boleyn Ground on December 28, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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West Ham United's Irish defender Joey O'Brien vies with West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka (R) during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. The game finished 3-3. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(17 of25)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Nicolas Anelka of West Brom scores their first goal past Jussi Jaaskelainen of West Ham during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at Boleyn Ground on December 28, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(18 of25)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Nicolas Anelka of West Brom celebrates scoring their first goal with with team mates during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at Boleyn Ground on December 28, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(19 of25)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Nicolas Anelka of West Brom scores their first goal past Jussi Jaaskelainen of West Ham during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at Boleyn Ground on December 28, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(20 of25)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Nicolas Anelka of West Brom celebrates scoring their first goal with Chris Brunt of West Brom during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at Boleyn Ground on December 28, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka (L) scores his second goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(22 of25)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Nicolas Anelka of West Brom scores their second goal past Jussi Jaaskelainen of West Ham during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at Boleyn Ground on December 28, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(23 of25)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Nicolas Anelka of West Brom scores their second goal past Jussi Jaaskelainen of West Ham during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at Boleyn Ground on December 28, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League(24 of25)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Nicolas Anelka of West Brom scores their second goal past Jussi Jaaskelainen of West Ham during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at Boleyn Ground on December 28, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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West Bromwich Albion's French striker Nicolas Anelka (2nd L) celebrates scoring their first goal with West Bromwich Albion's English defender Liam Ridgewell (L) during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park in east London on December 28, 2013. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTONRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

"It is alleged that, in the 40th minute of the fixture, Anelka made a gesture which was abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting and/or improper, contrary to FA Rule E3[1].

"It is further alleged that this is an aggravated breach, as defined in FA Rule E3[2], in that it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion or belief."

Anelka has until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the charge.

West Brom's shirt sponsor Zoopla, an online property search engine, said on Monday it would not be renewing its deal at the end of the season because of the incident.

Anelka has agreed not to perform the salute again after the club accepted it had caused some offence but there has been no apology from the player.

He has insisted the quenelle was a gesture in support of his friend, the controversial French comedian Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala, who has been prosecuted for anti-Semitism.

The FA brought in an expert to help decide on whether charges should be brought and has spent several weeks working on the case due to its sensitivity.

A three-man independent regulatory commission will now be appointed to deal with the case - either to decide on the sanction if Anelka admits the charge or to hold a disciplinary hearing if he denies it.