West Brom Striker Nicolas Anelka, FA Set To Accept Five-Game Ban For 'Quenelle' Gesture

The FA and EPL side West Brom striker Nicolas Anelka appeared "set to accept the five-match ban" imposed on Anelka for his "quenelle" gesture by an independent panel when the written reasons behind the decision were published on Thursday, according to Owen Gibson of the London GUARDIAN. The five-match ban and £80,000 ($134,000) fine imposed on the Frenchman, who was subsequently suspended by his club and is unlikely to feature for them again this season, has been criticized as "too lenient" in some quarters, with Labour MP John Cryer labeling the FA "pathetically spineless." But some Jewish groups "have praised the FA for making the punishment stick." The FA has said that "it will wait for the written reasons to be made public before commenting on whether it will push for a stronger penalty, but it is believed to be unlikely to do so." Albion is also considering the full report before deciding what, if any, additional action will be taken against the forward (GUARDIAN, 3/6).