(CNN) Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey showed a "lamentable degree of ignorance" of Adolf Hitler and Fascism despite being cleared of performing a Nazi salute in a photograph taken at a team dinner, according to a report published by a Football Association (FA) panel.

The 32-year-old, who plays for English Premier League side Crystal Palace, was charged by English football's governing body after he was photographed with one hand raised in the air and the other across the top of his mouth -- which could be interpreted as representing Hitler's mustache -- at the dinner in January 2019.

The Wales international denied making a Nazi salute, claiming he was trying to get the attention of the photographer (waiter Jordan Bussolini) and was cupping his hand over his mouth to project his voice -- after the photo was uploaded to Instagram by teammate Max Meyer.

The FA cleared Hennessey of making the offensive gesture last month, and has now published a written reason for the decision.

It said the goalkeeper had "categorically denied" making the salute and that the player had claimed to be unaware of what the gesture even meant.

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