Victor Boniface faces DFB suspension, could miss Bundesliga opener

The Nigerian international sparked controversy after his post-match celebrations appeared to provoke the Stuttgart bench.

Boniface, who was named in Xabi Alonso's starting lineup, opened the scoring for Leverkusen in the 11th minute. However, goals from Enzo Millot and Deniz Undav turned the game around before Patrik Schick's late equalizer forced a penalty shootout, which Leverkusen won 4-3, securing their first major trophy of the 2024/25 campaign.

Although Boniface was substituted in the first half and did not participate in the shootout, he celebrated exuberantly after the final whistle, running past the Stuttgart players while making a middle finger gesture.

The German Football Association (DFB) is now investigating Boniface's gesture, and the 23-year-old striker could face a retrospective suspension. In a statement released on Monday, the DFB confirmed that Boniface has been asked to respond to the charge promptly, after which a ruling will be made.

"The player from the German champions, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, is suspected of blatantly unsportsmanlike conduct during the DFL Supercup match against VfB Stuttgart last Saturday," the DFB statement read.

"The Nigerian international is accused of showing the Stuttgart players his outstretched left middle finger as he ran past them immediately after the final whistle. Referee Tobias Stieler stated that he did not see the incident, allowing the control committee to investigate retrospectively."

If found guilty, Boniface will miss the start of the Bundesliga season for Leverkusen.