West Bromwich Albion's Nicolas Anelka defends goal celebrations

West Bromwich Albion striker Nicolas Anelka has defended his goal celebrations during the Premier League match against West Ham United on Saturday.

The 34-year-old made the 'quenelle' gesture, which is said to be an inverted Nazi salute, used by controversial French comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala.

France's Sport Minister Valerie Fourneyron has critcised Anelka for the "shocking provocation", but the player himself insists that he did not mean any malice.

"This gesture was a special dedication to my friend Dieudonne," the Frenchman wrote on his Twitter page.

The Football Association of England has said that it will investigate the matter.