It looks like a five match ban - at least - is winging its way towards Nicolas Anelka after his controversial goal celebration against West Ham.
The West Brom striker performed the quenelle which is seen as anti-Semitic in many quarters, having been popularized by French comedian Dieudonné who has a history of making racist and anti-Jewish remarks.
Anelka has promised not to repeat the gesture which resembles an upside down Nazi salute.
To discuss the background to the case, we spoke to French football writer Xavier Rivoire who is disappointed by Anelka's actions.
"Dieudonné has been doing this gesture for so long now - too long! The so-called quenelle is a gesture that is supposed to be anti-system but also anti-Semitic in the eyes of many. It is anti-Semitic not only because it is a gesture Dieudonné performs on stage but he is a sad person trying to make fun of others and also being prejudiced. And on top of this gesture there is a tirade in which he uses words against the Jewish community that are always associated with this gesture," said Rivoire who does not believe Anelka can be ignorant about the real meaning of the quenelle.
"Even though Nicolas Anelka is now saying that it was against the system, he knew [the meaning]. It's a poor comment coming from him and the club as well because the club hasn't been harsh enough.
"When you convert to Islam which is the case of Nicolas Anelka, it is his right. But as a member of that community, Anelka should know very well what the gesture means and he should also be aware of what Dieudonné says about the Jews."
Dieudonné is not a mainstream comedian in France according to Rivoire but he points out that he has caused a considerable stir, causing the French government to look into banning the comedian.
Anelka's gesture has also caused an impact but according to Rivoire this has been overshadowed somewhat by the news surrounding Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher's health.
Finally, Rivoire told Joe that he is saddened by the way Anelka has changed from the "innocent talent" he met at Arsenal to the "ridiculous" "anti-everybody" figure he has become.
