Israel footballer’s gunfire gesture goal celebration gets red card

Linz: Israel forward Saied Abu Farchi was sent off after celebrating his goal with a simulated gun fire gesture during his side’s 3-1 Nations League defeat to Austria on Thursday, The Guardian reported.

The 20-year-old was shown a second yellow card after running towards the corner flag following his 55th-minute equaliser and using the flag to mimic a firearm. He had already been booked four minutes earlier, leaving Israel with 10 players for the remainder of the match.

Abu Farchi’s goal cancelled out Austria’s first-half opener, scored by Romano Schmid from the penalty spot. Israel held Austria at bay for much of the second half after going down to 10 men, but the hosts eventually regained the advantage in the 90th minute when Phillipp Mwene converted from Paul Wanner’s cross.

Sasa Kalajdzic then sealed the victory in stoppage time with a close-range finish, completing Austria’s 3-1 win.

Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland began their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Kosovo in Pristina. Ireland created an early opportunity through Chiedozie Ogbene, while Kosovo threatened repeatedly before the interval, including twice having efforts cleared off the line. Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher also denied Vedat Muriqi with a late first-half save.

Kosovo finally broke the deadlock with seven minutes remaining when captain Muriqi bundled the ball home. Ireland is due to face Israel in Hungary on Sunday.

In Oslo, Norway edged Denmark 3-2, with Erling Haaland scoring twice, including the 74th-minute winner, to give Norway their first competitive victory over their neighbours.