Sir, – I have been trying to make sense of the furore over Nicolas Anelka’s gesture known as the quenelle. The pictures of Anelka seemingly making the gesture seemed harmless enough, but certain people are jumping in and blowing it out of all proportion.
The picture of Manchester City player Sami Nasri and friend (Soccer, December 31st) making the quenelle don't support the present furore. Many international soccer teams make a similar gesture when they are standing to attention for their national anthem before an international soccer game. I seem to remember American citizens, including presidents, making a similar gesture when Old Glory is being raised up the flagpole and the Star-Spangled Banner is played.
Are the French now saying all Americans and any international side that makes a similar gesture are anti-semitic? – Yours, etc,
LIAM COOKE,
Greencastle Avenue,
Coolock, Dublin 17.