Paris Brunner’s brilliant equaliser at Strasbourg has been followed by a disciplinary storm. The Monaco forward, 20, has been referred to the LFP disciplinary commission after making a throat-cutting gesture during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at the Meinau.
The National Ethics Council decided on Monday to bring the matter before the French professional league’s disciplinary body. Brunner could now face a suspension, with the eventual punishment depending on how the commission categorises the celebration.
Ethics Council acts without complaint
Brunner scored for Monaco in Strasbourg before appearing to mime a blade across his throat. The gesture quickly became the centre of attention after the match, despite the quality of his goal.
Frédéric Thiriez, president of the National Ethics Council, said the body had used its power to open a case on its own initiative.
“The strength of the Council is that it can refer a matter itself,” Thiriez said. “It does not need a complaint, an referee’s report or a delegate’s report. That is what we have done today.”
Thiriez added that the celebration could potentially breach the principle of exemplary conduct contained in French football’s ethics charter. He stressed, however, that the Council is not responsible for judging the case or deciding any punishment.
That decision will rest with the LFP disciplinary commission.
Possible ban ranges from one to four matches
The disciplinary regulations offer different routes for the commission. Article 4, covering excessive or inappropriate conduct, carries a one-match suspension.
If the gesture is instead viewed under Article 8, concerning intimidating or threatening behaviour, Brunner could be banned for around four matches.
Monaco spoke with the German attacker after Monday’s training session to make clear that his action in Strasbourg was inappropriate. The player is understood to have accepted that message.
Brunner says emotion took over
After the match, Brunner said he had reacted after hearing insults aimed at his family from the stands.
“They spoke about my family, my mother and my father,” he said. “I could see the people insulting me. There were a lot of emotions after the goal, especially after a goal like that. I did not want to disrespect anyone.”
He said he did not believe the celebration reflected the message he intended to send, describing it instead as an emotional reaction meaning: “What a goal, it is over.”
“I would not say that I regret it, but it was not the message I wanted to send,” Brunner added. “It was misunderstood.”
French football has punished similar incidents before
The disciplinary commission has previously taken action over provocative gestures, although each case has been judged on its own circumstances.
- In 2014, then-Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani was booked after miming a sniper shot towards Lens supporters while celebrating a goal. He was later sent off after lightly touching the referee’s arm while trying to explain himself, then received a one-match ban.
- In 2022, Jean-Marc Furlan, then Auxerre coach, was suspended for three matches after making an obscene gesture towards Clermont supporters following his dismissal. Auxerre subsequently dismissed him for serious misconduct.
Brunner will now wait for the LFP disciplinary commission’s assessment of an incident that has turned a memorable strike at the Meinau into a potentially costly night for Monaco.
