Israel’s Abu Farchi dismissed after miming weapon celebration vs Austria

Colorado Rapids striker Sayed Abu Farchi was sent off following a controversial goal celebration during Israel’s 3–1 UEFA Nations League defeat against Austria on Thursday evening according to Burgundy Wave. ​After heading in a 56th-minute equalizer to make it 1–1, Abu Farchi removed the corner flag and held it like a cue stick before raising it in a motion resembling a firearm recoil.

Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov issued a second yellow card, dismissing the forward just four minutes after his initial booking.​The celebration sparked debate online over whether the dismissal stemmed from removing the corner flag or miming violence given current geopolitical sensitivities.

Abu Farchi, who previously performed the celebration with Maccabi Tel Aviv, will serve a suspension for Israel’s upcoming Nations League match against Ireland,