Abu Farchi Sent Off for Rifle Celebration as Israel Lose to Austria

Israel forward Abu Farchi was sent off moments after scoring in a 3-1 Nations League Group 3 defeat to Austria at the Raiffeisen Arena, with his rifle-miming celebration turning an equaliser into the decisive moment of the match.

Key takeaways

• Abu Farchi received a second yellow card in the 55th minute after celebrating his goal with a gesture involving the corner flag.
• The 20-year-old had made it 1-1 shortly after Austria went ahead through Romano Schmid’s 43rd-minute penalty.
• Israel played the rest of the contest with 10 men and conceded twice late on.
• Phillipp Mwene scored in the 90th minute before Sasa Kalajdzic sealed Austria’s 3-1 win in added time.
• Israel remain bottom of Group 3 ahead of matches against Ireland and Kosovo.

Celebration brings immediate dismissal

Farchi headed Israel level in the 55th minute, then ran towards the corner before lifting the flag and imitating the firing of a rifle. Referee Georgi Kabakov responded at once, showing the forward a second booking and then the red card.

The striker appeared surprised by the sanction, but gestures judged to be provocative, particularly those resembling weapons, are subject to disciplinary action. Having already been cautioned, Farchi could not remain on the pitch once Kabakov deemed the celebration punishable.

The call prompted debate after the match, with some viewing the punishment as severe in the circumstances. Yet the decision reflected the regulations governing player behaviour after goals, leaving Israel a man short for the closing 35 minutes and stoppage time.

Austria take advantage late on

Austria had opened the scoring from the penalty spot when Schmid converted in the 43rd minute. Farchi’s header briefly restored parity, but Israel’s numerical disadvantage forced them into an extended defensive effort after his dismissal.

The hosts finally found a way through at the end of normal time, when Mwene put Austria back in front in the 90th minute. Kalajdzic then added the third goal in stoppage time, completing a 3-1 result for Austria and securing the points.

The defeat leaves Israel at the foot of the Group 3 table and increases the importance of their forthcoming relegation fight. They meet Ireland on Sunday before travelling to Kosovo on Thursday, October 1, seeking the results required to move off the bottom.