Israel’s Saied Abu Farchi sent off after gun-gesture celebration in Austria defeat

Abu Farchi dismissal overshadows Israel’s defeat

Israel forward Saied Abu Farchi was sent off after celebrating his goal against Austria with a gun-firing gesture made using the corner flag during a 3-1 Nations League defeat in Linz.

Austria took the lead before half-time when Romano Schmid converted a penalty. Abu Farchi headed Israel level in the 55th minute, then ran to the corner, grabbed the flag and mimicked firing a gun. The referee had booked him four minutes earlier and issued a second yellow card for the celebration, leaving Israel with 10 players.

Austria eventually regained the lead in the 90th minute through Phillipp Mwene, who finished from Paul Wanner’s cross. Sasa Kalajdzic added a third in stoppage time with a close-range finish.

Kosovo punish Ireland late

The Republic of Ireland lost 1-0 away to Kosovo in Pristina. The match came amid controversy over Ireland’s upcoming fixture against Israel in Hungary, with manager Heimir Hallgrímsson saying members of his squad were uncomfortable about playing the game.

Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher made a key save from a Vedat Muriqi header before the interval, while Kosovo also had two efforts cleared off the line. Ireland resisted for much of the second half, but Kosovo captain Vedat Muriqi bundled in the winner with seven minutes remaining.

Haaland leads Norway past Denmark

Erling Haaland scored twice, including a 74th-minute winner, as Norway defeated Denmark 3-2 in Oslo to claim their first competitive victory over their neighbours. Oscar Bobb and Haaland put Norway two goals ahead in the first half before Denmark levelled by the hour.

Norway captain Martin Ødegaard said: “It tasted sweet. It feels great to beat our neighbours.” Norway ended the match with 10 men after David Møller Wolfe received a second booking in stoppage time.

Greece snatch late win in Belgrade

Greece came from behind to beat Serbia 2-1, with Tasos Douvikas scoring the winner deep into stoppage time. Malta also overturned a deficit to defeat Andorra 2-1 in League D, while Lithuania won 2-0 away to Liechtenstein.