Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi could be in line for punishment for the gesture he made while celebrating his goal against Cardiff on Sunday. The 26-year-old defender opened the scoring by heading home a corner-kick by Granit Xhaka in his side's 3-2 victory.
Upon sealing the feat, the former Valencia man ran towards the assist maker celebrating by making the shape of the Albanian double-headed eagle. It is worth noting that pair, despite their Swiss and German citizenship, shares an Albanian heritage.
During the 2018 World Cup held in Russia, Xhaka stirred up massive controversy after resorting to the same goal celebration when he scored for Switzerland against Serbia. The act is said to carry a political message which many deem as provocative.
The midfielder, alongside Xherdan Shaqri – who also used the same celebration after scoring in the game - was handed a fine by FIFA. According to the Independent, "the Football Association's regulations concerning political statements in the game, could [mean Mustafi will] now face punishment if his celebration is deemed to have been a display of political symbolism."
In retrospect, Pep Guardiola received a fine for wearing a yellow ribbon as a gesture of support for the imprisoned activists and politicians who campaigned for Catalan independence. In a similar manner, despite the prospect of Mustafi being banned existing, the sanction he could most likely be faced with will be a fine.
