West Brom striker Nicolas Anelka has denied his 'quenelle" gesture is racist and hit out at French politicians who have criticised him for using it, reports Sky News.
Anelka used the 'quenelle' as part of his celebration after scoring twice in West Brom's 3-3 draw with West Ham on Saturday.
The 'quenelle' salute was made famous by French comedian Dieudonne - a friend of Anelka's - and is linked by some to anti-Semitism.
French minister for sport Valerie Fourneyron condemned Anelka's use of the gesture, describing it as "shocking" and "disgusting" through her official Twitter account.
She wrote: "Anelka's gesture is a shocking provocation, disgusting. There's no place for anti-Semitism and incitement to hatred on the football field."
A statement from anti-racism campaigners Kick It Out read: "The campaign is in contact with partners in England and France regarding this matter and has offered its support to the Football Association in any forthcoming investigation."
The Football Association has confirmed it will investigate, but on Sunday Anelka took to Twitter to explain his actions.
He wrote: "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. 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."
Read more of this report from Sky News.
See also: French sports minister denounces 'disgusting' Anelka gesture.