Benoit Assou-Ekotto has released a statement highlighting his disappointment at being charged by the Football Association for improper conduct.
The Tottenham defender, who is on loan at QPR, has been charged after posting pictures on Twitter performing the 'quenelle' gesture which has entered the football realm in the past few months.
West Bromwich Albion striker Nicolas Anelka was banned for five matches after using the alleged 'anti-Semitic' salute in a game against West Ham United in late December. The 'quenelle' is associated with French comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala who has been convicted seven times of anti-Semitism.
Recently, Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho and Manchester City's Samir Nasri were seen performing the 'quenelle' but have escaped with warnings while Assou-Ekotto and Hull City's Yannick Sagbo have both been charged, disappointing the Cameroon international.
"I am disappointed to have been charged by the Football Association with misconduct in respect of my use of Twitter but I am grateful that as part of this process I will be able to present my case to them," Assou-Ekotto said in a statement.
"I would like to reassure the fans of both Tottenham and QPR, along with the football community generally, that I condemn discrimination and racism in any form.
"During my seven years as a player at Tottenham, my record of engaging with the diverse local community and my strong stance on anti-racism issues speaks for itself.
"I am proud that the work undertaken by my foundation in educating young people has as its cornerstone inclusion and respect for diversity.
"I will not be making any further comment in respect of these issues whilst the Football Association's disciplinary proceedings are ongoing but would like to thank all of those people who have provided me with messages of support since the charge was confirmed by the Football Association."
