There had been indications it might happen, and now former German Under-17 World and European champion Paris Brunner has been handed a potentially lengthy suspension for his provocative goal celebration during AS Monaco’s match in Strasbourg.
In the away match against Racing Strasbourg (1–1) on 12 September, Paris Brunner equalised for AS Monaco in the 71st minute with a shot into the top corner – but the 20-year-old’s subsequent goal celebration was completely inappropriate. The former Dortmund professional mimicked slitting his throat, thereby infuriating the home fans.
The disciplinary committee of the French Football League (LFP) launched an investigation afterwards, as, according to the French newspaper L’Équipe, referee Eric Wattellier had stated in his report that he had not seen Brunner’s celebration.
The verdict has now been handed down: Brunner has been suspended for up to four matches. However, two of the four matches are suspended, as the disciplinary committee announced.
The striker, who has made a strong start with six goals in his first seven competitive matches and has also been called up for the German Under-21s, will therefore miss Monaco’s upcoming league matches against FC Toulouse on 10 October and, eight days later, against FC Lorient.
Hoping for his U21 debut
For now, however, the long international break provides a distraction, as Brunner is set to join the German U21s. In manager Antonio Di Salvo’s squad, he is one of seven newcomers hoping to make their debut in the European Championship qualifiers on Saturday in Latvia, in Malta (30 September) and in Bielefeld against Georgia (6 October).
