Royal Excel Mouscron of Belgium attacker, Taiwo Awoniyi has received a suspended suspension from the European country’s league body, with a warning that he should stop celebrating his goals in a religious manner.
Sports247.ng can report that Awoniyi is always wont to raise his hands to the sky and lift his face heavenwards after scoring in any match, as he apparently gives thanks to God, but the Belgian soccer authorities have frowned at the gesture and cautioned him against repeating it.
The former youth international, who struggled at KAA Gent also of Belgium in the first half of the season, has been on fire since returning to Mouscron, where he previously had a glorious stint last season.
Since his return to Mouscron in January, Awoniyi has hit five goals and two assists in helping the club win six straight league matches.
Alarmingly, though, he was close to being banned from Friday’s fixture against Standard Liege, after Belgian league officials frowned at his religious celebration after scoring in a 2-1 win at his former club, Gent.
That goal came way back on February 10, and the UAE 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup gold medalist celebrated his opening goal in the 43rd minute by raising his shirt and showing a bible verse.
Awoniyi was then taken to task at a disciplinary inquest, as officials questioned the words on his vest, which read: ”Fear God. Keep his commandments for this is the duty of man Ecclesiastes 12:13.”
However, Awoniyi, who is on loan from Liverpool of England, explained that he expressed his delight without any intent to provoke anyone, but to show how emotional he wants to be in appreciation of divine grace.
Awoniyi was early this week let off with a warning and suspended ban, which means he is available for selection by Mourscron coach for this Friday’s league clash with Liege, who have in the past paid the wages of Victor Nosa Ikpeba, Kenneth Omeruo, Uche Agbo and Elderson Uwa Echiejile.
A report out of Belgium stated: “The Disputes Committee of the Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB) gave him (Awoniyi) a reprimand and suspended sentence until March 5, 2020.”
