LONDON (AFP) - Nicolas Anelka was banned for five matches on Thursday for his controversial 'quenelle' goal celebration, a gesture which was widely condemned as anti-Semitic.

The Football Association found the French striker guilty of an "aggravated breach" of FA rules which in turn saw him banned and fined £80,000 (S$168,700).

The West Bromwich Albion forward was also ordered to complete a "compulsory education course" although he does have right of appeal.

Anelka made the 'quenelle', a gesture condemned in France as anti-Semitic, after scoring the first of his two goals in a 3-3 Premier League draw against West Ham at Upton Park on December 28.

However, the 34-year-old Anelka denied the gesture was anti-Semitic or that he himself was a racist.