Nicolas Anelka faces ban after giving an 'anti-semitic' gesture during West Brom's 3-3 draw with West Ham French comedian Dieudonne with his friend Nicolas Anelka The gesture, which involves pointing one straightened arm downward while touching that arm's shoulder with the opposite hand, has been condemned by Jewish groups as a 'Nazi salute in reverse' and French authorities have explored whether it should be made illegal. Albion caretaker manager Keith Downing, speaking on behalf of Anelka after the game at Upton Park, said the striker had merely intended to pay homage to his friend. "I'm aware of it, but it has got nothing to do what is being said," Downing told a press conference when asked about the gesture. It is dedicated to a French comedian he knows very, very well. He uses it in his act and I think speculation can be stopped now. It is absolute rubbish really. He is totally unaware of what the problems were or the speculation that has been thrown around. He is totally surprised by it. The Football Association will now investigate whether the gesture was either offensive or racist or both, and Anelka will face a ban from football if they deem it was.