Attacker Brunner handed double ban after provocative gesture

The 20‑year‑old German striker Paris Brunner of AS Monaco was suspended by the disciplinary commission of the French official football league LFP for four matches, two of them on probation, after he made a provocative gesture in the 71st minute of the match against Racing Strasbourg.

LFP Disciplinary Sanction

Following his provocative gesture during the goal celebration, the LFP disciplinary commission announced that Brunner will be suspended for four matches. Two of those matches, however, will be suspended on probation, allowing him to return earlier if he maintains good conduct.

In the 1‑1 draw against Racing Strasbourg, Brunner scored the equaliser in the 71st minute and then made a throat‑slitting gesture towards the Strasbourg fans.

The supporters responded with a chorus of whistles, but referee Éric Wattellier stated in his report that he had not seen the gesture, so no immediate sanction was imposed on the field.

Brunner felt provoked by the fans and said: “They talked about my family, my mother and my father. I could see the insulters.”

Due to the suspension, he will miss the league matches against FC Toulouse on October 10 and, eight days later, the clash with FC Lorient.

In his first seven mandatory matches, Brunner scored six goals across competitions. U21 national team coach Antonio Di Salvo praised the strong start to the season and nominated the former Dortmund player for the upcoming international fixtures, with a debut on Saturday against Latvia at 18:00 possible.