Anelka’s alleged anti-Semitic salute hearing continues

Nicolas Anelka’s disciplinary hearing into his alleged anti-Semitic ‘quenelle’ salute will continue into a second day today.

The independent regulatory commission’s hearing, which is taking place at an undisclosed location, is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

West Brom’s French striker faces a minimum five-match ban under the FA’s new anti-discrimination rules if found guilty. Anelka has been charged by the FA with performing an alleged anti-Semitic gesture during his club’s match against West Ham on December 28.

The 34-year-old has denied the salute was anti-Semitic and requested a personal hearing.

Anelka was charged last month with an aggravated offence after making a gesture that was judged to be “abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting and/or improper”.

The aggravated breach was that it included “a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion or belief”.