Premier League to Crack Down on ‘Mocking’ Goal Celebrations

The Premier League looks set to start cracking down on how players celebrate their goals.

They could punish players who celebrate in a way that’s found to be “mocking” or “critical”. The decision comes after young Arsenal player Myles Lewis-Skelly celebrated his goal against Manchester City last weekend by meditating — a move made famous by City player Erling Haaland.

Iliman Ndiaye also recently received a yellow card for flapping his arms like a bird, apparently mocking scoring against Brighton, who have a seagull as their club logo. Jamie Vardy has also performed celebrations but received no punishment. Vardy also celebrated Leicester’s win by pointing to the Premier League badge on his sleeve,

Last year, striker Neal Maupy celebrated against Tottenham by imitating throwing a dart, apparently mocking Tottenham player James Maddison who has the same celebration.

Now, the Premier League has decided ‘troll’ celebrations may have to come to an end.

According to Sky Sports, the Premier League’s chief football officer Tony Scholes stated: “There’s a line, and there’s a balance. Some of the celebrations have been very funny and entertaining, but there is a line. Once it crosses into mockery or criticism, then we need to deal with it.”

According to the current Football Association rules: “Players can celebrate when a goal is scored, but the celebration must not be excessive; choreographed celebrations are not encouraged and must not cause time-wasting.” It goes on to explain that provocative or inflammatory gestures will be cautioned.