NICOLAS ANELKA should face punishment for his controversial 'quenelle' goal celebration, but the incident is not as serious as the racist abuse which Luis Suarez and John Terry were guilty of, according to a leading anti-racism campaigner.
The West Bromwich Albion striker's gesture after scoring against West Ham on Saturday is under investigation by the Football Association. The 'quenelle' - which translates literally as 'dumpling' in English - was brought to prominence by French comedian Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala, who has been prosecuted for anti-Semitism.
"The rise of the far right is one of the most dangerous phenomena facing Europe right now," said Piara Powar, the executive director of Football Against Racism in Europe.
"It was disappointing to see someone like Anelka make the quenelle gesture. The gesture is damaging but it is not the same as the abuse meted out by Luis Suarez and John Terry. Context and intent is an important distinguisher."
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