Wayne Hennessey charged by FA for alleged Nazi salute

The goalkeeper claimed on Twitter that he was calling out to the person taking the photograph and any resemblance was 'absolutely coincidental'

Wayne Hennessey denies that he was making a Nazi salute (Max Meyer/Instagram)

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has been charged with bringing the game into disrepute for allegedly making a Nazi salute, the Football Association has announced.

Hennessey, 31, denies making the gesture in a picture posted on Instagram by his German team-mate Max Meyer as the players celebrated their FA Cup win against Grimsby earlier this month.

“Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3,” the FA announced on Twitter.

“It is alleged that a gesture he made, which was captured by a photograph and posted on social media, breached Rule E3[1] as it was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.”

The FA added: “It is further alleged that this constitutes an ‘Aggravated Breach’, which is defined in Rule E3[2], as it included reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion and/or belief.

Hennessey in action for Palace earlier this season (AFP/Getty Images)

“Hennessey has until 31 January 2019 to respond to the charge.”

Hennessey was seen in the background of a group photograph posted on Meyer’s Instagram story, which has subsequently expired.

The Wales international has denied he was making a such a salute, claiming on Twitter that he was calling out to the person taking the photograph and any resemblance was “absolutely coincidental”.

PA