Prodigy player Nnael suffers a two-match suspension following inappropriate taunting at the M5 World Championship.
The M5 Group Stage concluded with a glorious performance from GeekFam ID. The Indonesian team convincingly qualified for the Knockout Stage and sits as the final eight teams of the tournament. However, it will soon play without its jungler, Manuel "Nnael" Simbolon - not for the next two matches. What exactly happened to Nnael of GeekFam ID?
Nnael's inappropriate taunt causes suspension
During the M5 Group Stage, things got heated between Indonesia's GeekFam ID and Russia's Deus Vult. The series of Group D started with a 20-minute victory for GeekFam ID. But the Russian team quickly fired back and even out the series 1-1.
This victory fired up the squad and Deus Vult's EXP Laner, Mathaios "Kid Bomba" Chatzilakos started aggressively taunting on stage. This sparked a wave of taunts and trashtalks between both teams.
The final moments of the series sees GeekFam ID closing out the third game with a victory. But they were not done taunting - and Nnael took it a little too far. The 17-year-old "wonderkid", who is currently on loan from ONIC Prodigy, taunted with his middle finger to the opponents.
A day after the incident, Mobile Legends officially penalized Nnael and GeekFam ID. In an official post, Moonton reveals that GeekFam ID would have to play the next two matches in the M5 World Championship without Nnael.
"Per our tournament rules, Nnael has committed a violation that prohibits any team member from making inappropriate and insulting gestures. The committee has decided to impose a two-match suspension on GeekFam's Nnael," the post reads.
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Can GeekFam ID survive without Nnael?
The biggest question following this penalty is, "Who will replace Nnael throughout his absence?". GeekFam ID does not have a substitute player for the jungler role and it seems like they have to rely on new ideas and strategies in the meantime.
GeekFam ID's next match will be against Burmese Ghouls in the Knockout Stage. If the team face defeat, they will drop to the Lower Bracket, falling a step behind elimination. But if they somehow find victory, GeekFam ID will advance into the top 6 of the tournament.
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