Israel Football Association appeals UEFA over Said Abu Farhi red card

The Israel Football Association has filed an official complaint with UEFA regarding the dismissal of striker Said Abu Farhi during a Nations League Group 3, Division B match against Austria. The incident occurred after Abu Farhi scored an equalizer in a game that ultimately ended in a 3-1 victory for Austria.

Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov issued a second yellow card to the 20-year-old forward following his goal celebration. Abu Farhi performed a signature gesture involving movements resembling a snooker cue shot and a rifle shot. While football regulations allow for sanctions if celebrations are deemed provocative or inflammatory, the Israeli association argues the refereeing team misunderstood the context.

Shlomi Barzel, head of the Israel Football Association's information department, stated that the first yellow card was incorrectly awarded and the second resulted from a misunderstanding. The association maintains that the celebration is the player's trademark gesture and was not intended to provoke opponents or the crowd. UEFA is expected to review the case.