LINZ, Austria: Israel footballer Sayed Abu Farhi was sent off after his goal celebration during his team’s Nations League match against Austria, after appearing to use the corner flag to mimic a shooting gesture.
The 20-year-old Colorado Rapids player scored Israel’s equaliser before receiving a second yellow card for the celebration, reducing his side to 10 players.
Abu Farhi dismissed after equaliser
Abu Farhi’s goal briefly brought Israel level in the match, but his celebration resulted in disciplinary action from the referee.
Football’s laws allow players to be booked for celebrations considered provocative, derisory or inflammatory.
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Austria went on to win the match 3-1 in Linz.
Incident draws attention amid wider football debate
Romano Schmid opened the scoring for the hosts before Israel equalised through Abu Farhi. Austria later secured victory with late goals from Phillipp Mwene and Sasa Kalajdzic.
The incident came during a period of increased attention around Israel’s football fixtures, with discussions surrounding calls for the Republic of Ireland to boycott upcoming matches against Israel.
The two scheduled fixtures between Ireland and Israel are due to take place at neutral venues.
