Rabat – Israel forward Saied Abu Farchi was sent off shortly after scoring against Austria after his goal celebration prompted the referee to show him a second yellow card during Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash.
Abu Farchi headed Israel level in the 55th minute at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz, cancelling out Romano Schmid’s first-half penalty and briefly putting his side back into the contest.
The 20-year-old then ran toward the corner flag, pulled it out of the ground and dropped to one knee. He positioned the flagpole across his hand and made a gesture that appeared to simulate firing a gun.
The referee immediately intervened, showing Abu Farchi a second yellow card and then a red. The forward had received his first booking just four minutes earlier, meaning Israel were reduced to 10 players only moments after drawing level.
Reports differed over the precise intention behind the celebration. While the gesture was widely interpreted as mimicking a firearm, Israeli media reports described it as a possible snooker-inspired celebration. The Associated Press also noted that it was not immediately clear whether Abu Farchi was attempting to imitate a pool cue shot or a weapon.
The dismissal left Israel facing the remainder of the match a player down, although Austria did not regain the lead until the closing stages.
Equalizer in, red card out or a celebration with a cost
Austria eventually moved back in front in the 90th minute when Phillipp Mwene converted from Paul Wanner’s cross. Saša Kalajdžić then added a third goal in stoppage time with a close-range finish to complete a 3-1 victory.
For Abu Farchi, the goal was his first for the senior national team. The 20-year-old forward recently joined Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids after previously playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The result leaves Israel with a defeat from its Nations League meeting with Austria, while Abu Farchi faces suspension following his dismissal. He is therefore set to miss Israel’s upcoming Nations League fixture against the Republic of Ireland, with the two sides scheduled to meet on Sunday.
The incident also came against a politically charged backdrop surrounding Israel’s participation in UEFA competitions. Austria’s match with Israel drew protests from some supporters, including a “Free Palestine” banner displayed near the pitch.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s football association has previously sought to avoid being paired with Israel in future competitions, a request UEFA rejected.
