Sayed Abu Farkhi sent off after controversial goal celebration

During a UEFA Nations League match held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Israeli forward Sayed Abu Farkhi was sent off after scoring against Austria. The 20-year-old player leveled the score at 1-1 in the 55th minute with a header, but his subsequent celebration drew a second yellow card from referee Georgi Kabakov. Abu Farkhi grabbed a corner flag and simulated firing it like a weapon, an act the referee deemed provocative.

Following the dismissal, Israel struggled to maintain parity with ten men. The team conceded two additional goals in the 90th and 93rd minutes, ultimately losing the match 3-1. Romano Schmid had previously scored for Austria in the first half. Teammate Manor Solomon expressed support for Abu Farkhi, noting that while the player acknowledged his mistake, the team felt the dismissal was a harsh interpretation of the rules in that specific context.

The incident has sparked discussion regarding disciplinary actions for goal celebrations. Abu Farkhi is expected to learn from the incident as his team moves forward in the competition.