Shirt sponsor 'wants Anelka out' after controversial gesture

West Brom sponsor Zoopla has reportedly threatened to withdraw its lucrative shirt deal with the club unless Nicolas Anelka is axed from the team.

The suggestion follows Anelka’s controversial ’quenelle’ gesture made during Albion’s 3-3 draw at West Ham on December 28, which the Football Association is currently investigating.

When contacted, spokespersons for both West Brom and Zoopla, a property and house prices website, declined to comment on Marketing Week’s report.

John Simpson, West Brom’s head of communications, said: “West Bromwich Albion will be making no further comment until the Football Association has concluded its investigation, and the club its own internal inquiry, into the matter.”

Zoopla’s head of communications, Lawrence Hall, added: “We are not commenting at this stage.”