Why Israel’s Sayed Abu Farchi was sent off for 'violent' celebration and what the law says

Why Israel’s Sayed Abu Farchi was sent off for gun celebration and what the law saysIsrael forward Sayed Abu Farchi was sent off after celebrating his goal with a simulated gun gesture during his side’s UEFA Nations League clash against Austria on Thursday night.

The 20-year-old attacker received a second yellow card for the celebration, leaving Israel with 10 players as Austria eventually secured a 3-1 victory at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz.

MUST READ: Black Stars Player Ratings vs Cote D'Ivoire: Ati-Zigi 4/10, Kwasi Sibo 4, Ernest Nuamah 6

Abu Farchi had brought Israel level early in the second half, heading home in the 55th minute to cancel out Romano Schmid’s first-half penalty.

However, his celebration quickly turned the spotlight away from the goal.

After scoring, Abu Farchi ran towards the corner before removing the corner flag.

The Israel international then dropped onto his right knee and positioned the flagpole across his body, using his left hand as though he were holding a weapon before making a firing gesture.

READ ALSO: 'Why don’t we have VAR in AFCON competitions?' - Carlos Queiroz questions CAF after Black Stars defeat to Côte d’Ivoire

The referee immediately intervened and showed Abu Farchi a second yellow card.

He had been booked just four minutes earlier, meaning the celebration resulted in a red card and an early exit from the match.

Abu Farchi, who plays his club football for MLS side Colorado Rapids, was therefore dismissed despite having just helped Israel equalise.

The Laws of the Game allow players to celebrate after scoring, but there are limits on how that celebration can be conducted.

Under Law 12 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), players are permitted to celebrate a goal, but celebrations must not be excessive.

READ MORE: Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua set to clash on December 11 in Cardiff

A player can also be cautioned if the celebration is considered provocative, derisory, or inflammatory.

The law specifically provides referees with grounds to issue a yellow card for certain forms of goal celebration, including gestures that are deemed provocative or inflammatory.

In Abu Farchi’s case, the referee interpreted the simulated shooting gesture as falling within the provisions of Law 12.

Because the forward had already received a yellow card moments earlier, the second caution automatically resulted in a red card.