Charlie Austin suspended for two game after “obscene gesture” to Manchester City fans

He admitted making the gesture

Southampton striker Charlie Austin has been suspended for two matches after he admitted making an "obscene gesture" to Manchester City fans. The incident happened on December 30th, during Southampton's home tie with the Premier League champions. A frustrating afternoon for Austin came to an end when he was replaced by Irish striker Shane Long towards the end of Southampton's 3-1 defeat at St. Mary's. Austin had been booked ten minutes earlier and was on the receiving end of some goading from City supporters as he made his way off the pitch. Sky Sports cameras picked up the Saints front man seemingly flicking the 'V' sign at the booing fans as he jogged to the bench. Charlie Austin will now miss Southampton's Premier League away match against Leicester City, and their FA Cup replay with Derby County on January 16th. In 2013, Jack Wilshere received a similar two-game ban, after he stuck a middle finger up at Manchester City fans in Arsenal's 4-2 loss at the Eithad. In early 2018 however, Watford's Troy Deeney escaped punishment despite making the same gesture during a 4-1 victory over Chelsea.