The English FA are investigating allegation that Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made a Nazi salute.
His team-mate Max Meyer posted the photo which has been at the center of the controversy. It was taken during a team dinner last Saturday and then posted to his Instagram story. The keeper had earlier started the 1-0 FA Cup win over Grimsby Town.
The Welshman denied making the deeply offensive gesture. He claimed he was simply waving to get the attention of the person taking the photo. When waving failed, he tried to call to the person and used his hand to help project his voice.
The 31-year-old said: "Yesterday evening I had a meal with my teammates and we had a group photograph.
"I waved and shouted at the person taking the picture to get on with it and at the same time put my hand over my mouth to make the sound carry.
"It's been brought to my attention that frozen in a moment by the camera this looks like I am making a completely inappropriate type of salute."
"I can assure everyone I would never ever do that and any resemblance to that kind of gesture is absolutely coincidental," he concluded by saying. "Love and peace, Wayne."
The FA have decided that the matter may not end there and despite the keeper's attempt to explain the picture as a misunderstanding they have launched their own investigation. One twitter user posted a picture which seemed to back up Hennessey's explanation.
Thought Wayne’s excuse was a load of bullshit until I saw this. #cpfc #hennessey pic.twitter.com/3H1gUjFXTD
— Robbie Welch (@RobWelch2000) January 7, 2019
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