Monaco midfielder Mamadou Coulibaly could be punished after appearing to make a throat-slitting gesture while celebrating his goal against Le Mans in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

The 22-year-old put Monaco ahead with his first league goal of the season in the 1-1 draw, before making the controversial gesture during his celebrations.

Coulibaly apologised later and explained at half-time that he had performed it as a tribute to a friend who had asked him to make the gesture.

The incident is similar to one involving his Monaco team-mate Paris Brunner, who was recently suspended for four matches by the French Professional Football League's disciplinary committee. Two of those matches were mandatory.

Monaco manager Filipe Luis previously defended Brunner following that incident, while also underlining the club's commitment to preventing similar episodes.

Coulibaly could now receive a comparable sanction if disciplinary proceedings are opened.