Israel footballer given red card after bizarre ‘gun-firing goal celebration’ with corner flag

Saied Abu Farchi’s celebration leaves Israel with 10 men

The Colorado Rapids forward had already been booked when he found the net against Austria on Thursday, scoring Israel’s only goal in their eventual 3-1 Nations League defeat.

Farchi celebrated by heading towards the corner, pulling the flag out of the ground and crouching beside it. 

He then appeared to use the flag as a prop while pretending to aim and fire a weapon.

That prompted the referee to intervene. Farchi was shown a second yellow card for the celebration, meaning he was immediately sent off and Israel were left with 10 players.

Austria eventually took advantage late in the match. Philipp Mwene put the hosts back in front in the 90th minute before Sasa Kalajdzic completed the scoring during stoppage time.

Ireland’s Nations League clash with Israel is now just days away

Football’s Law 12 allows players to celebrate after scoring, but says celebrations must not be excessive. It also states that a player should be cautioned if their actions are considered provocative, derisory or inflammatory.

The incident comes during an increasingly controversial Nations League campaign for Israel. 

Ireland’s football association has previously said UEFA rejected its request not to be paired with Israel in future competitions.

The two sides are scheduled to meet on Sunday at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary, with the return fixture taking place on October 4.

UEFA has been approached for a response to the incident but has not yet commented.