Israel manager breaks silence on player’s red card for ‘gun’ celebration as little-known UEFA rule emerges
Israel head coach Ran Ben-Shimon has spoken out after forward Sayed Abu Farchi was sent off for a controversial ‘gun’ celebration against Austria.
The confusing moment happened in the 56th minute of the clash at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz.
After the 20-year-old Colorado Rapids forward scored Israel’s equaliser, he ran towards the corner flag before picking it up and using it to act as if he were firing a gun. It must be noted that some reports have suggested the celebration was mimicking a snooker or pool shot.
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Referee Georgi Kabakov quickly brandished a yellow card before showing a second caution moments later and, in doing so, sent the player off.
Both sets of players were left visibly confused, as was Abu Farchi. Israel head coach Ben-Shimon spoke out on the matter after the match, explaining how the goalscorer uses the same celebration in club football without any problems.
“I’ve seen it before, and everyone can check,” he said.
“When this young player scores, in the Israeli national team or the MLS or anywhere he plays, he celebrates in the same situation again and again, and he never gets a yellow card about it.
“He didn’t know about it; this is his way to celebrate every goal he scores. He’s a young player; I’m sure this lesson will stay with him a long time. He made a mistake.”
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Why Sayed Abu Farchi was sent off for his celebration
According to IFAB rules, which are followed by UEFA, a player must be cautioned for “gesturing or acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way”. Removing a corner flag is also noted as an offence, which may explain why Abu Farchi received two yellow cards in quick succession.
The rules state: “A player must be cautioned for:
- climbing onto a perimeter fence and/or approaching the spectators in a manner which causes safety and/or security issues
- acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way
- covering the head or face with a mask or other similar item
- removing the shirt or covering the head with the shirt”
Ireland players urged to boycott Israel clash
Austria went on to win 3-1 with late strikes from Phillip Mwene and Sasa Kalajdzic, having taken the lead through Romano Schmid during the first half.
Israel return to action against the Republic of Ireland on September 27, with the Irish team facing calls to boycott the fixtures due to the genocide in Gaza.
Over 73,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on the region since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and hundreds were taken hostage.
Both Nations League fixtures involving Ireland and Israel will take place at neutral venues.
Topics: Football
Luke Davies