Sayed Abu Farchi was sent off during Austria vs Israel following a controversial celebration with the corner flag, with onlookers divided over whether he was gesturing with a firearm or playing pool.
The opening round of the UEFA Nations League produced its first major flashpoint during Austria’s clash with Israel, where Sayed Abu Farchi sparked outrage with a controversial celebration after netting the visitors’ equaliser.
The forward dashed straight over to wield the flag and appeared to mimic firing a weapon. That was the immediate conclusion reached by many onlookers, though others argued he was simply imitating a cue shot in pool.
The footage ignited a storm across social media, drawing fierce criticism towards the attacker. The referee took decisive action, brandishing a second yellow card amid the celebrations to send him off.