The German Football Association has launched an investigation into Victor Boniface’s conduct during Bayer Leverkusen’s Super Cup win over VfB Stuttgart.
Reports from German outlet Weltfussball claim that Boniface made an offensive gesture towards Stuttgart players by showing them his outstretched left middle finger after the final whistle.
In the match, Boniface scored the opening goal in the 11th minute but was substituted for tactical reasons after his teammate Martin Terrier received a red card in the first half. Bayer Leverkusen went on to win the Super Cup on penalties.
Although referee Tobias Stieler stated he did not see the alleged gesture, the DFB’s control committee has decided to investigate. There is no conclusive evidence or TV footage confirming the incident, but VfB Stuttgart players assert that Boniface’s gesture was offensive.
Boniface also received a yellow card in the 80th minute for dissent while on the bench, following a VAR decision against his team.
The potential punishment for Boniface, if found guilty, remains unclear. The forward has been instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s recent successes, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 appearances last season, and was named Rookie of the Year.
