- Super Eagles Victor Boniface allegedly made a rude gesture to Stuttgart players during Bayer Leverkusen’s Super Cup match win over VfB Stuttgart
- Referee Tobias Stieler did not witness the gesture, leading to further investigation by the DFB
- Bayer Leverkusen and its striker Boniface accepted the DFB’s decision without appealing
Super Eagles and Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, has been hit with a one-match suspension and a $25,000 fine following an incident of unsportsmanlike conduct during last week’s Super Cup match against VfB Stuttgart. The German Football Association (DFB) decided after Boniface was accused of making an obscene gesture toward Stuttgart players in the post-match celebrations.
The timing of the suspension comes just four days after Boniface announced plans for a social media giveaway for his fans on X app, formerly Twitter. He mentioned that he was going to send the money to Asiwaju Lerry, a popular Twitter influencer who would give instructions to fans on how to win the giveaway of up to 2 million naira.
The incident in question allegedly saw Boniface raise his middle finger while running past the opposing players, an act that the DFB Control Committee labelled as “blatantly anti-sporting conduct.”
Although the match referee, Tobias Stieler, did not observe the gesture, the DFB therefore launched an investigation based on reports from Stuttgart players.
Despite the absence of video evidence, the DFB deemed the gesture unacceptable and imposed a suspension from one DFB Cup match alongside a substantial fine.
The Nigerian forward and his club, Bayer Leverkusen, have accepted the punishment without appeal, signalling their acknowledgement of the incident.
Popular for his breakout performance last season, where he earned the Rookie of the Year title, Boniface’s latest actions could mar his growing reputation with fans.
As Bayer Leverkusen gears up for the new Bundesliga season, Boniface remains determined to contribute to the team’s success. Despite the match ban, he is expected to feature in their opening match against Borussia Monchengladbach tomorrow, August 23.
In a recent interview, Boniface emphasised his ongoing commitment to improvement, stating, “There is a lot more… to improve as a player and learn new stuff.”
His focus now is on moving past the controversy and continuing to make his mark in German football.
“Money na water,”- Netizens tease Nigerian forward after fine slam
Fans took to social media to react to the $25,000 fine by the German Football Federation over the gesture made by the Nigerian star, Victor Boniface in the Super Cup final win over Stuttgart.
Below are some of the reactions:
“But why dem fine u 25k euros na, ehnn fine boy 😂😂,” @YoungEmmanuelJ commented.
“Banger Boy don break silence 😅,” @iamstretch_ stated.
“Why they go collect 25k for your hand just like that,” @stardudefire commented.
“Money na water,” @Ellie_utd stated.
“Boss, na true say they finned you €25,000😢,” @airdropkv asked.
Boniface shines as Leverkusen narrowly edge Stuttgart in Supercup thriller
Previously, TheRadar reported that Bayer Leverkusen triumphed in their first-ever DFL-Supercup on Saturday night, August 17, edging VfB Stuttgart 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the teams played out a 2-2 draw in regular time at the BayArena.
In a match that saw Martin Terrier receive a first-half red card, Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning German double champions, triumphed over VfB Stuttgart on penalties to claim the DFL-Supercup at the BayArena on Saturday night.
