By Ian Parker, Press Association Click here to read our chief sports writer's debate column on Anelka's nasty strain of anti-Semitic Nazi posturing Nicolas Anelka's hopes of pointing to the support of a prominent member of the French Jewish community in a bid to clear his name have received another blow. West Brom striker Anelka is facing a minimum five-match ban for his 'quenelle' salute, unless he can prove his case, after being charged by the Football Association with performing the allegedly anti-Semitic gesture after scoring against West Ham on December 28. The 34-year-old has until 6pm on Thursday to formally reply to the charge, which he appears certain to contest as he insists he is neither anti-Semitic nor racist.
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Anelka was charged by the FA. He faces a minimum five-match suspension
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The West Brom striker insists the 'quenelle' gesture was not anti-Semitic
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Anelka has asked the Football Association to drop the charge
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Jewish community leader 'disappointed' with Anelka and says behaviour  is the 'opposite of what a top athlete must show the youth of our country'
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The 34-year-old has until 6pm on Thursday to formally reply to FA charge
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Dieudonne M’Bala M’Bala - the French comedian at the heart of the storm - has stated he is fully supportive of his 'brother in humanity'
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But the salute, known in France as 'la quenelle', is the subject of a fierce national debate that has reached the French interior ministry and stands accused of sparking a spate of attacks across @placeholder's homeland.