Monaco await decision over Brunner’s controversial celebration
Monaco forward Paris Brunner apologised after performing a throat-slice gesture while celebrating his equaliser against Strasbourg. The 20-year-old German, who has scored three goals in four Ligue 1 matches this season, said supporters had been speaking about his family during the game. Brunner insisted he had not intended to be disrespectful and explained that he meant to convey that the goal had ended the contest. His celebration nevertheless attracted disciplinary attention, with the striker reportedly facing a possible suspension of up to four matches.
Monaco manager Filipe Luis described Brunner as a passionate and intense young player but accepted that the gesture had been a mistake. Luis said Brunner apologised immediately, including through social media, and stressed that the forward had otherwise conducted himself well. The manager’s comments suggested Monaco would support Brunner while expecting him to avoid a repeat. Any suspension could disrupt the striker’s early contribution to the Ligue 1 campaign, particularly after he had established himself as an important source of goals during the opening matches.
The sources did not provide a confirmed disciplinary ruling, so Brunner’s availability for Monaco’s next fixtures remained dependent on the outcome of the review. The incident has nevertheless placed greater focus on the responsibilities attached to goal celebrations, especially when gestures can be interpreted as threatening or offensive. For Monaco, the priority will be keeping Brunner’s scoring form while ensuring the controversy does not become a recurring distraction around the team.
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Nartey scores as Lyon open Europa League campaign with victory
Olympique Lyonnais began their Europa League campaign with a 2-1 victory away to Anderlecht at Lotto Park in Brussels. Danish-Ghanaian midfielder Noah Nartey put Lyon ahead in the eighth minute, before Keito Nakamura doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute. Anderlecht reduced the deficit through Mihajlo Cvetkovic in the 61st minute and applied pressure in the closing stages, but Lyon held on for three points. Nartey started the match and was replaced by Mads Bidstrup in the 74th minute after making a decisive contribution to the result.
The win gave Lyon an encouraging start in Europe and showed the value of their fast opening to the match. Nartey’s early goal provided the platform, while Nakamura’s strike created enough distance for Lyon to withstand Anderlecht’s second-half response. The midfielder’s performance also added an individual storyline, as his goal came during a period in which his international future has attracted attention after choosing Denmark over Ghana. Lyon’s ability to protect the lead away from home will be important as the European schedule begins to add demands alongside Ligue 1.
Lyon’s immediate domestic focus turns to Rennes, whom they were scheduled to face on September 19. Nartey’s goal should strengthen his case for further involvement, although the match also underlined the need for Lyon to manage games more comfortably after conceding. A successful European campaign would give the club momentum, but maintaining league form while competing in both competitions will test the depth of the squad.
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Nice midfielder Witsel ends Belgium career after 140 caps
Nice midfielder Axel Witsel announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday, ending an 18-year Belgium career. The 37-year-old finished with 140 caps, 12 goals and eight assists, making him Belgium’s second-most capped player. His final appearance came in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, when Belgium were eliminated by Spain and Witsel played around 30 minutes. Witsel made his international debut in 2008 and became a central figure during Belgium’s so-called golden generation, appearing alongside players including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.
Witsel said it was time to make way for younger players and a new generation, while describing his international career as an immense source of pride. The decision came after he had previously retired from Belgium duty in May 2023 before changing his mind, making this announcement a renewed conclusion rather than his first consideration of stepping away. Belgium now lose one of their most experienced figures, while Nice retain a midfielder whose international workload will no longer be part of his club-season demands.
His departure closes a lengthy international chapter shaped by Belgium’s rise among Europe’s leading teams, although the golden generation did not win a major tournament. Witsel’s last involvement came at the World Cup, giving him a clear final appearance at the highest level. For Belgium, attention will turn to developing the next midfield generation; for Nice, the player’s international retirement could allow a more straightforward club focus during the season.
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