German Football Association criticises sanction and fine for Super Eagles striker

The German Football Association has imposed a one-match ban and a fine of 25,000 euros on Nigerian international striker Victor Boniface, according to a statement issued by Bayer Leverkusen.

Boniface made an obscene face at Stuttgart fans when he was substituted during the German Super Cup match, a game in which he scored in the 11th minute but which ended 2-2 before his team triumphed on penalties.

His suspension will last until the next cup match for unsportsmanlike conduct, but he will still be able to represent the team in league matches, which are organised by a different body. The cup match is the DFB Pokal against Carl Zeiss Jena.

Last season, Boniface made a big impression in his first season scoring a total of 21 goals and ten assists as the team went unbeaten and won the league and the German Cup. However, he was denied a historic treble by Atalanta, who beat them 3-0 in the Europa League final.