19 Jan 2014

West Brom sponsors ask for Anelka to be axed

7:03 am on 19 January 2014

Shirt sponsor Zoopla have reportedly warned West Bromwich Albion it will cancel a three million pound deal with the club if Nicolas Anelka plays against Everton in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Zoopla, a property website company co-owned by Jewish businessman Alex Chesterman, is unhappy the former France striker has been playing despite making an alleged anti-Semitic 'quenelle' gesture in the game with West Ham United three weeks ago.

Several media reports say that the sponsor has demanded he is dropped against Everton or else they will immediately cancel their deal.

Anelka is being investigated by the Football Association for making the gesture after scoring the first of his two goals in a 3-3 draw at West Ham in the league at the end of December.

The quenelle, invented by French comedian Dieudonne, has drawn widespread condemnation in Anelka's homeland and from anti-racist and Jewish groups in England who have demanded the player be banned.

Anelka, 34, has played in every league game since making the alleged gesture. He promised no repeat but did not apologise for his actions.