The Football Association have opened an investigation into an alleged Nazi salute made by Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

In an Instagram photo posted by team-mate Max Meyer, Hennessey appears to be making the gesture in the background of a team meal, pointing a flat palm upwards whilst a horizontal hand is placed under his nose.

The Welsh international, 31, denied it was a salute, claiming he was waving while using his other hand to project his voice.

The FA is aware of the incident and has begun making inquiries.

In a Twitter post on Sunday night he said: "Yesterday evening I had a meal with my team mates 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."

Originally posted as part of an Instagram story, the image can no longer be viewed on Meyer's profile.

The players were celebrating beating Grimsby 1-0 in the third round of the FA cup.

Hennessey, a Welsh international, was recalled to the side having recently lost his first team place to Spaniard Vicente Guaita.

Palace currently lie 14th in the Premier League table.

The club were approached for comment yesterday, but are yet to respond.