Abu Farchi sent off after celebration as Austria beat Israel
The Israel forward received a second yellow card four minutes after equalising with a header; Austria won 3-1.
Israel forward Sayed Abu Farchi was sent off against Austria after a goal celebration involving a corner flag drew a second yellow card. Austria went on to win the UEFA Nations League match 3-1.
Abu Farchi levelled the score with a 55th-minute header, cancelling out Romano Schmid’s first-half penalty. He then used the corner flag in a gesture reported as mimicking the firing of a gun.
The referee cautioned Abu Farchi, who had received his first yellow card four minutes earlier. The second booking brought a red card.
IFAB Law 12 says goal celebrations must not be excessive and provides for cautions for provocative, derisory or inflammatory behaviour.
Austria retook the lead in the 90th minute through Phillipp Mwene, then Sasa Kalajdzic scored in stoppage time to seal the result.
Al Jazeera reported that Austrian fans displayed a “Free Palestine” banner near the pitch. It also noted objections to Israel’s Nations League participation from several countries, including Ireland’s football association.
