London - The English Football Association charged two players on Tuesday with racially-aggravated misconduct for tweets about a gesture considered anti-Semitic.
Hull striker Yannick Sagbo and Queens Park Rangers' loan defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto posted comments on Twitter backing Nicolas Anelka for performing the arm gesture, known in France as a “quenelle,” while celebrating a goal for West Bromwich Albion in December.
Anelka was fired by West Brom last month after being banned for five matches by the FA. Sagbo and Assou-Ekotto are facing the same minimum ban if found guilty.
Assou-Ekotto congratulated Anelka via Twitter for performing the “quenelle,” which was popularized by French comedian Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala and has been described as an “inverted Nazi salute.” Sagbo called Anelka a “legend” alongside a picture of the French striker.
Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri, who had previously been pictured online in the “quenelle” pose, has been given a formal warning by the FA. Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho, who was also pictured on Twitter performing the gesture, was “reminded of his responsibilities as a participant,” the FA said.
Sapa-AP