Mamadou Coulibaly apologises after controversial celebration for Monaco

AS Monaco midfielder Mamadou Coulibaly has apologised after sparking controversy with a throat-slitting celebration during his side’s match against Le Mans on Sunday.

Coulibaly opened the scoring before half-time but attracted attention for the manner in which he celebrated the goal. The 28-year-old ran his finger across his throat in a gesture that appeared to imitate an execution, prompting criticism over his actions.

The celebration has brought unwanted attention to Monaco, with Coulibaly becoming the second player at the club to attract controversy over a similar gesture in recent weeks.

Paris Brunner was previously involved in an almost identical incident, raising questions about whether Coulibaly could face disciplinary action from the French Professional Football League (LFP).

Speaking to the media after Sunday’s match, Coulibaly addressed his celebration and expressed regret over the incident, insisting that he had not intended to cause offence.

“First of all, I wanted to apologize, because it was misunderstood. It was a gesture I made because a friend advised me to do that kind of celebration (…) these things are done in other leagues, so I didn’t think it would have negative repercussions.”

The midfielder explained that the celebration was suggested to him by a friend and said he had not expected it to generate such a negative reaction.

However, the incident could have disciplinary consequences, particularly given the punishment handed to his team-mate Brunner for a similar action.

The German forward found himself at the centre of controversy a few weeks earlier during Monaco’s match in Strasbourg after making the same throat-slitting gesture.

The LFP disciplinary committee subsequently handed Brunner a two-match suspension, alongside a further two-match ban suspended.

That decision could prove significant for Coulibaly, as the governing body’s previous ruling may serve as a reference when considering his own case.

If the disciplinary committee follows the same approach, the Monaco midfielder could face a similar punishment to his German team-mate.

The situation has created another unwanted talking point for the club, with two of their players now having been involved in controversies surrounding their goal celebrations within a relatively short period.

Although Coulibaly has publicly apologised and explained the circumstances behind his actions, attention could now turn to whether the LFP will take disciplinary measures following Sunday’s incident.

For Monaco, the immediate concern is the possibility of another suspension after Brunner’s earlier punishment for a similar celebration.