Hellas Verona forward Gift Orban was at the centre of attention in his side’s 2-2 draw with Napoli at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday, after scoring a penalty and receiving a yellow card for his celebration.

The incident came in the 27th minute. During an aerial challenge in the Napoli penalty area involving Alessandro Buongiorno and Valentini, Buongiorno’s hand made contact with the ball.

Napoli players protested, claiming a push from Valentini caused the handball. Referee Matteo Marchetti consulted VAR before awarding a penalty to Hellas Verona.

Orban stepped up and sent the ball into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić to give Hellas Verona a 2-0 lead.

Immediately after scoring, the Nigerian striker mimed a throat-cutting gesture toward the Napoli supporters.

The referee issued a yellow card for the celebration, and Orban briefly protested before play continued.

Hellas Verona’s opening goal had come earlier through Martin Frese, who scored with a back-heeled finish, marking his first Serie A goal.

Orban’s penalty doubled the visitors’ advantage, sending the Gialloblù into halftime 2-0 ahead.

Napoli later fought back to draw 2-2, but Orban’s involvement in the penalty and his subsequent booking remained the most notable moments for the Nigerian forward during the match.

Wale Adejumo