Sponsor drops West Brom over Anelka row
Jewish-owned Zoopla had previously demanded that the team drop French player but has now decided to end its sponsorship of the club
VIDEO - Property website Zoopla is ending its sponsorship of English Premier League soccer club West Bromwich Albion following a row over an alleged anti-Semitic gesture made by striker Nicolas Anelka, the company said on Monday.
According to the British media, Zoopla had previously demanded that the company name was removed from Anelka's shirt for Monday's Premier League match against Everton, after the cub was set to defy the wishes of their main sponsor and play Nicolas Anelka in Monday's game.
Video courtesy of jn1.tv
Anelka used the "quenelle" in a goal celebration against West Ham United in December. His use of the gesture caused uproar in the Jewish community and anti-racism activists, leading the British Football Association to open an investigation.
Anelka, who has played in both West Brom's league matches since, promised not to repeat it but did not apologise for his actions.
The decision followed reports that Zoopla, a property website company co-owned by Jewish businessman Alex Chesterman, was unhappy at the way the club had handled the issue.
"Zoopla has been reviewing its position over the past few weeks in light of the actions of striker, Nicolas Anelka, during the match against West Ham over the Christmas period and has decided to focus its attention on other marketing activities after this season," the company said in a statement.
An FA ruling on the case is expected within the next 48 hours and may even come after the conclusion of Monday's game. Anelka could face a five-game ban under new anti-racism regulations.
Roei Eisenberg contributed to this report
