LONDON — Britain's Home Secretary has banned French comedian and provocateur Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala from entering the United Kingdom.

He had previously announced plans to visit Britain in a show of support for soccer player Nicolas Anelka, who faces a ban for mimicking the comic's "quenelle" salute during a match. The gesture is considered by many to be anti-Semitic.

A Home Office statement issued Monday said Dieudonne is subject to an exclusion order issued under Home Secretary Theresa May's power to keep someone out of Britain for public policy or public security reasons. He has been convicted multiple times for inciting racial hatred or anti-Semitism.

The Football Association has charged Anelka over the pose, struck after he scored a goal in a game in December. He is contesting the charges.