Nicolas Anelka has launched a defence of his character and denied he has anti-Semitic leanings following his sacking by West Bromwich Albion.

The French striker was fined by a Football Association-appointed independent panel and handed a five-match ban for the "quenelle" goal celebration he performed after scoring for West Brom at West Ham United on December 28, leading to him being suspended by his club.

Anelka then said on March 14 that he would terminate his contract at West Brom, only for the club to fire him hours later.

The infamous pose that Anelka struck after scoring at Upton Park has been associated with religious intolerance in France, but the former Arsenal and Real Madrid player insisted throughout the investigation into his actions that it was merely a show of support for his friend Dieudonne M’bala M’bala.

Known as Dieudonne, Anelka’s friend is a French comedian who has been convicted seven times of anti-Semitic crimes. He is credited with inventing the quenelle.

The independent regulatory commission that handed Anelka his punishment accepted there was no intent by the player to be anti-Semitic.

Anelka, now 35, is determined mud should not stick to his name, or to the gesture which he believes remains a valid expression of rebellion against authority.

Anelka told the French publication Metronews: “My quenelle has been very badly interpreted. It was a dedication to my friend Dieudonne. In August, I had paused in the moment of celebrating a goal between doing the quenelle or imitating the gesture of Kaaris [a French rapper]. I chose Kaaris. And therefore, this time it was the day for the quenelle.”

Had Anelka chosen to perform the quenelle in August, he might not have lasted until March at the Hawthorns.

He has observed the criticism that has come his way, but questions the awareness of those judging him.

“It’s fine to say that I’m anti-Semitic and racist. Still you need proof,” Anelka said. “I have no racist or anti-Semitic history, therefore no evidence, even suspicion of evidence.

“Who can decide that the quenelle is anti-Semitic or racist, other than its inventor?

“There was no religious thought on my part. And I have never said that my gesture was against the system, simply that the gesture was. Again, I’m not racist, not anti-Semitic, and the quenelle was a simple tribute.”