FA probing West Brom player`s `anti-Semitic` gesture during side`s PL draw

London: The English Football Association ( FA) is reportedly investigating France`s sports minister accusing West Bromwich Albion player Nicolas Anelka of making a `disgusting anti-Semitic` celebration during his side`s 3-3 draw at West Ham United in the Premier League.

Former France international Anelka, who scored his first two goals for the club in the game, had not played since the 4-1 defeat by former club Liverpool on October 26. According to the BBC, Sport Minister Valerie Fourneyron criticised Anelka for making the `quenelle`, which is described as an inverted Nazi salute, saying that the gesture is a shocking provocation and disgusting as there is no place for anti-Semitism on the football field. However, Anelka has defended his action, saying that the gesture was a special dedication to his friend and French comedian Dieudonne M`bala M`bala, whose shows have also come under the French government`s hit list for the comedian`s use of the gesture. Jewish groups had complained to French president Francois Hollande about Dieudonne`s trademark gesture, which they linked to increasing anti-Semitic remarks and acts in France, the report added.