Luxembourg axe star man Gerson Rodrigues after controversial appearance at home to Ireland

Gerson Rodrigues of Luxembourg in action against Dara O'Shea of Republic of Ireland during the friendly match last June

A controversial appearance at home to Ireland in June could prove to be the last outing in the Luxembourg shirt for striker Gerson Rodrigues as the player has been suspended by country’s FA.

Their manager Luc Holtz had already paid the price for his role in the episode by being denied a contract extension.

Ireland’s friendly in Luxembourg in June was marked by protests from home supporters at the presence of Rodrigues in the side, their second home friendly of that June window.

He had been convicted of a domestic abuse charge and was given an 18-month suspended sentence but politicians and women’s rights groups there protested at the fact he was being selected.

Irish fans in the stadium joined in the protests, with travelling supporters from Ireland displaying the red card and booing any time Rodrigues touched the ball.

Long-serving coach Holtz had defended, before the game and in the aftermath, his call to select the player saying there was no legal block on his selection.

Last month the Luxembourg FA decided, after a “thorough analysis” of the matter, not to extend Holtz’s contract when his current deal runs out in December, though they plan for him to be in charge for World Cup qualifiers, including a date with Northern Ireland.

The FLF also apologised to a local journalist who had been barred from attending a press conference over his coverage of the affair.

And now they have stated that Rodrigues – who has since moved to a club in Thailand – will not be selected for national team duty. They begin their World Cup campaign at home to Northern Ireland next month.

“The image of the Luxembourg football institution and all its members has been affected by the ‘Gerson Rodrigues affair'. We would like to point out that the reputation of the Federation and its members is above any individuality and sporting considerations,” the FLF said.

“Despite the advice and recommendations that the Federation officials tried to give to the player concerned, he did not respond favourably.

“Consequently, the board of directors has decided that the aforementioned player is no longer eligible for selection until further notice for future international matches of the national team.”

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