Nicolas Anelka has launched a determined defence of his character and denied he has anti-Semitic leanings following his sacking by West Brom.

Nicolas Anelka’s ’quenelle’ gesture did contain “a reference to anti-Semitism” but was viewed as less serious than Luis Suarez’s racist abuse, according to the independent regulatory commission that imposed a five-match ban on the French striker.

Nicolas Anelka’s ’quenelle’ gesture did contain “a reference to anti-Semitism”, according to the independent regulatory commission that imposed a five-match ban on the French striker.

Nicolas Anelka’s disciplinary hearing into his alleged anti-Semitic ’quenelle’ salute is to start today.

Nicolas Anelka’s disciplinary hearing into his controversial ‘quenelle’ salute is due to start early next week.

A controversial French comedian at the centre of the Nicolas Anelka anti-semitism row has been banned from entering the UK, the country's Home Office said.

West Brom striker Nicolas Anelka has no intention of leaving the club this month, despite the ongoing furore over his ’quenelle’ goal celebration – but has made it clear he has an open mind about his future beyond the end of the season.

Nicolas Anelka’s future in English football is on the line after the West Brom striker requested a personal hearing into his now infamous ’quenelle’ salute.

Nicolas Anelka must formally respond to the Football Association by 6pm on Thursday over its charge for his ’quenelle’ goal celebration – but prospects of him citing a prominent member of the French Jewish community in his defence have suffered a setback.

Nicolas Anelka has called on the FA to drop its charge against him over his ‘quenelle’ goal celebration — but the prospects of him citing a prominent French Jew in his defence suffered a setback yesterday.

The Football Association is working with an “appointed expert” as part of its ongoing investigation into Nicolas Anelka’s controversial ’quenelle’ goal celebration.

Prosecutors in Paris are investigating threats against the controversial comedian at the centre of the Nicolas Anelka “Nazi salute” incident.

Nicolas Anelka has agreed not to perform his controversial “quenelle” goal celebration again after West Brom conceded the gesture had caused offence.

Nicolas Anelka has agreed not to perform his controversial ’quenelle’ goal celebration again, according to a statement released by his club West Brom.

West Ham 3 West Brom 3

Modibo Maiga feels West Ham are close to finding out what has caused their poor form in recent weeks and believes an injection of confidence would also help.

French prosecutors have opened an investigation into alleged racism by a popular comedian whose TV antics included dressing up as an Orthodox Jew and decrying an ”American-Zionist” axis.