Nicolas Anelka hits back against political criticism

West Bromwich Albion striker Nicolas Anelka has hit back against political criticism from the French minister for sport suggesting that his 'quenelle' celebration against West Ham United was racist.

Anelka has stated that his controversial celebration, which some deem to have anti-Semitic connotations, was purely in dedication to his friend and comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala.

"The meaning of the gesture: anti-establishment. I don't know how religion has become a part of this story. This quenelle is dedicated to Dieudonne," Anelka said on Twitter.

"With regard to the ministers who give their own interpretations of my quenelle, they are the ones that create confusion and controversy without knowing what it really means.

"I would ask people not to be fooled by the media. And of course, I am neither anti-Semitic nor racist and I totally back my gesture."

The French striker could face a potential minimum five-match ban for the gesture.