Paris Brunner has been handed a four-match suspension by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) disciplinary committee following a controversial throat-slit gesture directed toward opposing supporters during AS Monaco’s 1-1 draw against Racing Strasbourg on September 12, according to reports from French outlets and regional German media.
Four-Match Ban Handed Down After Strasbourg Clash
The 20-year-old German forward, who joined AS Monaco, made the gesture in the 71st minute after scoring a striking equalizer at the Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg. TV footage captured Brunner gesturing toward the home fans after securing the draw. The action sparked an immediate chorus of whistles from the stadium crowd, though match referee Éric Wattellier noted in his official report that he did not witness the goal celebration on the pitch, leaving the incident unpunished during the match itself.
Disciplinary Referral and Immediate Domestic Sanctions
Following the fixture, the National Ethics Council (CNE) referred the matter to the LFP disciplinary committee. Out of the four-match ban handed down by the league, two matches are suspended on probation, meaning Brunner will miss two immediate domestic fixtures: a home match against Toulouse on October 10 and an away trip to face Lorient eight days later on October 18.
Player and Manager Defend Intensity Amid Backlash
Speaking to the French sports daily L’Équipe, Brunner explained that the reaction stemmed from direct provocation from the stands. “They have spoken about my family, my mother and my father. I could see those who insulted me,” the forward said. “After the goal, there were a lot of emotions involved, especially after such a strike. I didn’t want to be disrespectful.” He added: “I wouldn’t say I regret it, but that wasn’t the message I wanted to convey. It was misunderstood. What I wanted to say was: What a goal, that’s it.”
AS Monaco manager Filipe Luís addressed the fallout shortly after the incident, defending his player while acknowledging the misstep. “Paris is a very passionate, intensive boy. He made a mistake. He realized it immediately. He apologized. The club takes this matter very seriously. We hope that such a thing will not happen again,” the coach stated.
International Duty Offers Reprieve During Suspension
The suspension arrives while Brunner balances his club career with international duty. Despite the disciplinary trouble, the former U17 World and European champion has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, netting six goals across his first seven competitive appearances for Monaco. That early-season form caught the attention of Germany U21 head coach Antonio Di Salvo, who subsequently called up the young forward for international duty in the European Championship qualifiers.
While sidelined for domestic French league action, Brunner remains eligible for international fixtures. Germany’s U21 side is scheduled to face Latvia in Riga, followed by matches against Malta in Attard and Georgia in Bielefeld, offering the forward an immediate return to competitive action as he navigates his club sanction.
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