The “quenelle” gesture made by Nicolas Anelka during a match between West Ham and West Bromwich Albion has garnered significant attention and criticism. The European Jewish Congress has called on the English Premier League to suspend Anelka, accusing him of making a “reverse Nazi salute.” The president of SOS Racisme, Cindy Léoni, also expressed her expectation for a clear reaction from West Bromwich Albion’s leadership, considering the gesture as an “anti-Semitic provocation.”
Anelka attempted to play down the incident by dedicating the gesture to his comedian friend Dieudonné, who popularized the “quenelle.” However, the controversy continues, with various organizations and individuals interpreting the gesture differently. The European Jewish Congress’s call for suspension adds to the pressure on Anelka and the football authorities to address the situation.
