Israel forward Saied Abu Farchi received a red card on Thursday after celebrating his goal with a gesture that simulated firing a gun during a UEFA Nations League match against Austria.
The incident occurred at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz. Austria had taken the lead through a first-half penalty from Romano Schmid. Abu Farchi then headed home in the 55th minute to equalise for Israel.
The 20-year-old, who plays club football for Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer, ran to the corner flag after scoring. He grabbed the pole, dropped to one knee and made a firing motion with it.
The referee had already shown Abu Farchi a yellow card four minutes earlier. Officials then issued a second yellow for the celebration, followed by a red card. Israel therefore played the rest of the match with 10 players.
Austria capitalised on the numerical advantage. Phillipp Mwene scored in the 90th minute after a cross from Paul Wanner. Sasa Kalajdzic added a third goal in stoppage time with a close-range finish. Austria won the Group B3 encounter 3-1.
Under International Football Association Board Law 12, players may celebrate goals but must not act in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory manner. Moving a corner flag also breaches the rules.
Israel will next face the Republic of Ireland on Sunday. The build-up to that match has already drawn attention amid ongoing debates about Israel’s participation in the competition.
Abu Farchi’s dismissal left his side short-handed at a critical stage. Austria’s late goals secured the three points and placed further pressure on the Israeli team in the group standings.
