The Crystal Palace keeper has rebuffed claims he made the offensive gesture in a photo
Wayne Hennessey has been the subject of criticism after an image of him with his right arm pointed upwards circulated on social media.
"Crystal Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey has denied making a Nazi salute during a meal with his team-mates" — after a photo emerged of him making a Nazi salute during a meal with his team-matespic.twitter.com/efqYrxewg0
— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) January 7, 2019
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has called for an investigation into the matter after the image was posted on German player Max Meyer's Instagram.
Kick It Out told Telegraph Sport: "We are aware of an image circulating in which Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey makes what appears to be a Nazi salute which the player has denied,"
"We have received reports about the photo and have passed those onto the FA so they can investigate."
Hennessey took to Twitter to deny any wrongdoing and attempted to clear up the misunderstanding.
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. Love and peace Wayne
— Wayne Hennessey (@WayneHennessey1) January 6, 2019
The statement read: "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. Love and peace Wayne."
If Hennessey's excuse is to be true then it appears that the keeper has been caught quite unlucky under the circumstances.
While Hennessey has been criticised for the gesture on social media, one Twitter user seems to have found evidence backing up Hennessey's claims in reference to the gesture.
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
The Welshman will be hoping to put the incident behind him as Palace take on Watford this weekend.