Premier League stars could face punishment for certain types of celebrations, as part of a new crackdown being considered by officials.
Top-flight players have grabbed headlines in recent weeks for their celebrations that have taunted the opposition and wound up fans, such as Jamie Vardy teasing Tottenham supporters over their lack of Premier League titles during Leciester’s away win last month.
The clampdown began last week when Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye was shown a yellow after celebrating his winning goal at Brighton by imitating a seagull, flapping his arms in the air towards the home crowd.
Meanwhile, Myles Lewis-Skelly risked angering Erling Haaland and Man City by copying the forward’s signature celebration after scoring for Arsenal in their 5-1 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, although he escaped without a booking.
Speaking about the potential crackdown, Tony Scholes, the Premier League‘s chief football officer, said officials would consider action if celebrations “crossed over into mockery or criticism”.
He told Sky Sports: “There’s a balance. I think we all like to see celebrations. Some of the celebrations have been very funny, entertaining, but there’s a line. Once it crosses over into mockery or criticism then we would need to deal with it.”
Stars have also been criticised for provoking rival players with copycat celebrations, such as during an incident last year when former Brighton player Neal Maupay copied James Maddison’s darts-throwing celebration, sparking a social media feud between the two.
Lewis-Skelly also mimicked Erling Haaland‘s celebration following his goal against City, a response to Haaland’s taunt of “Who the f*** are you?” in the previous 2-2 draw at the Etihad.
Jamie Carragher voiced his disapproval on Sky: “I didn’t like this [the celebration] to be honest, because he’s a young player. You know, mimicking Haaland and taking the mick out of him.
“But I think as a young player – and I know we all get carried away with ourselves as a young player – but I just think what Declan Rice did there. He pulled him up. He’s still celebrating in the corner. Listen, it’s a huge moment for him, but Declan Rice is telling him to get back in position.”
This article originally appeared on The Mirror.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk