Sayed Abu Farchi sent off after unusual goal celebration

Sayed Abu Farchi’s equaliser for Israel became a turning point against Austria after the striker was dismissed moments later for his celebration. The sending-off left Israel to finish the Nations League opener with ten men, and Austria went on to claim the win in Linz.

Austria led through Romano Schmid’s penalty in the 43rd minute. Abu Farchi levelled five minutes after half-time, heading in after a deflected shot reached him. The forward, who plays for MLS club Colorado Rapids, celebrated with teammates before moving to the corner, pulling out the flag and crouching as he appeared to imitate a billiards player.

The referee showed him a yellow card for the celebration. Abu Farchi had already been booked five minutes earlier, making the second caution an automatic red card. He tried to explain the gesture but could not change the decision.

Austria took advantage late on, with Phillipp Mwene scoring in the 90th minute before Sasa Kalajdzic added another in the 93rd. The exact reason for the referee’s reaction to the celebration was not clear: the decision may have concerned the removed flag, the billiards-style movement or the possibility that the gesture resembled a weapon.