Chelsea loanee Papy Djilobodji could face sanctions after making a throat-slitting gesture towards an opposition played during a Bundesliga match for loan club Werder Bremen.
Djilobodji ran his finger across his throat in the direction of FC Mainz midfielder Pablo De Blasis during the 1-1 draw at the Weserstadion on Saturday.
Although the incident was missed at the time by referee Manuel Graefe, the German football federation's sports tribunal has opened proceedings against Djilobodji.
Bremen sporting director Thomas Eichin tried to play down the incident following the match, saying: "I'll have a serious talk to him about it and he won't do it again in the future."
It is understood Djilobodji is expected to be told if he faces punishment for his actions on Monday.