LINZ: Israel’s 20-year-old forward Abou Farchi was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a controversial goal celebration during a match against Austria in Linz.
Farchi scored shortly after the start of the second half to level the score and ran toward the corner flag to celebrate.
He then pulled the corner flag out of the ground, placed it on his hand and, while kneeling, suddenly raised it forward above his head in a gesture that drew attention from the referee.
The referee showed Farchi a second yellow card for the celebration, resulting in his dismissal from the match.
The incident sparked discussion among football fans and on social media. Some observers compared the gesture to the motion of firing a gun, while others interpreted it as an imitation of a snooker or pool shot.
Under Law 12 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), players can be cautioned for goal celebrations that are considered provocative, derisory or inflammatory.
Although the Laws of the Game do not specifically prohibit removing a corner flag during a celebration, such conduct can still be sanctioned under Law 12 as unsporting behaviour. The referee may also use discretion when determining whether a gesture involving the flag constitutes misconduct.