WEST BROMWICH, England – Striker Nicolas Anelka says he is leaving Premier League club West Bromwich Albion immediately after being suspended for five matches for a goal celebration regarding as anti-Semitic.
Anelka said on his Twitter account Friday he decided to leave the club after being offered "to rejoin the group under certain conditions I can't accept."
Anelka performed the gesture as he celebrated scoring in West Brom's 3-3 draw with West Ham. The gesture involves pointing one straightened arm downward while touching the shoulder with the opposite hand. It was popularized by French comedian Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala, who has been convicted for inciting racial hatred and anti-Semitism.
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