Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen ahead Victor Boniface has been handed a one-game suspension and a hefty advantageous after being discovered responsible of unsportsmanlike conduct throughout his crew’s latest Tremendous Cup match towards VfB Stuttgart, Soccernet.ng experiences.
The German Soccer Affiliation (DFB) introduced the choice on Wednesday, following an investigation into an incident that happened instantly after the ultimate whistle of the match.
In keeping with an announcement from the DFB sports activities court docket, Boniface might be banned from collaborating in a single DFB Cup match and fined €25,000 (approx. ₦43.8 million).
The punishment was issued after the DFB Management Committee charged the 23-year-old with “blatantly anti-sporting conduct.”
The incident in query concerned Boniface allegedly making an obscene gesture — elevating his center finger — in the direction of Stuttgart gamers as he ran previous them throughout post-match celebrations.
Referee Tobias Stieler, who officiated the sport, confirmed that he didn’t witness the gesture, which allowed the DFB’s management committee to pursue additional investigation.
Regardless of the shortage of TV footage or concrete proof, Stuttgart gamers accused Boniface of the offensive act, resulting in a heated alternate and tensions on the pitch.
The Nigerian worldwide and his membership, Bayer Leverkusen, have accepted the decision, making the suspension and advantageous legally binding.
The incident has sparked controversy, particularly given Boniface’s rising repute in Germany.
Final season, he was named Rookie of the Yr following a stellar debut marketing campaign, which performed an important function in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph.
Boniface’s actions in the course of the Tremendous Cup have marred what was in any other case a celebratory second for Leverkusen.