In the 56th minute of the Nations League B opening match between host Austria and Israel on 24/9, Sayed Abu Farchi scored Israel's equalizer, making it 1-1. He then ran to the corner of the field, pulled out the corner flag, and performed a "shooting" gesture.
Referee Georgi immediately issued Farchi a second yellow card. Four minutes prior, the 20-year-old player had received a yellow card.
According to Dagbladet, the referee made the strict decision because he believed Abu Farchi was simulating a shooting motion. Football rules stipulate that players must be cautioned if their celebration is provocative or mocking.
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Farchi's controversial celebration during Israel's 1-3 loss to Austria in Nations League B Group 3, in Linz, Austria on 24/9. *Photo: AP*
Following this incident, the football world split into two camps. Goal, a popular football news site, described Farchi's actions as a rifle-style celebration. Some viewers linked the event to the conflict Israel and My engaged in with Iran earlier this year, stating that the world was tired of the ongoing situation.
"Considering the current situation in their country, I think it's absurd. It has no place in football", said Austrian international Patrick Wimmer.
Meanwhile, the other camp defended Farchi. Many viewers suggested Farchi was merely performing an aiming gesture common in billiards. Other Israeli players also expressed dissatisfaction with the referee's decision. "He has celebrated every goal this way. Anyone can verify it", stated Israel national team coach Ran Ben Shimon.
Farchi's red card had serious consequences for Israel. Playing with 10 men against 11, the team, ranked 76th by FIFA, conceded two more goals in the 90th and 90+3rd minutes, ultimately losing 1-3. Israel now sits last in Nations League B Group 3, behind Austria, Kosovo, and the Republic of Ireland.
Farchi is not the first player to be sent off for a controversial celebration. In 2014, Edinson Cavani was also dismissed after making a similar aiming gesture with his hand. The PSG forward received his first yellow card for unsporting behavior and a second for protesting the referee's decision. At the time, PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi protested, arguing that Cavani had celebrated this way many times without penalty.
On 12/9, Paris Brunner also caused controversy by celebrating a goal with a throat-slitting gesture during a 1-1 draw against Strasbourg. The Monaco forward explained it was merely an action to signify sealing the match, in response to the opposing fans' behavior. However, French football authorities punished him with a four-match ban, including two conditional matches.
*Thanh Quy (according to Dagbladet)*
