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ALAN SHEARER kept things simple.
The Premier League’s record goalscorer celebrated each of his 260 Prem goals with a hand held aloft.
But it seems that not only have celebrations grown increasingly complex, but have taken on a whole new dimension of trolling between teams.
Douglas Luiz stole the headlines on Sunday as he stooped to his knees and “shoulder-shimmied” in front of Manchester United keeper Andre Onana after scoring Villa’s equaliser – only for United to get a winner and have the last laugh.
And before that, there was dart-gate when Neal Maupay took James Maddison’s signature darts celebration.
Here’s a look at eight times football celebrations have gone wrong…
Douglas Luiz vs Manchester United, February 2024
The latest in the list of a growing genre – the troll celebration.
Luiz struck to cancel out Rasmus Hojlund’s opener and immediately stooped to his knees and shook his shoulders back and forth in front of Onana.
But the celebration went on to blow up in his face, with Villa going on to lose the game 2-1 courtesy of a late Scott McTominay winner.
But the midfielder has since responded to explain his celebration, saying: “I’m good, thanks. It’s just carnival time in Brazil.”
Neal Maupay vs Tottenham, January 2024
Maupay nicking James Maddison’s celebration introduced a derby atmosphere between Tottenham and Brentford which had never existed before.
After scoring the opener in the 15th minute, Maupay mocked Maddison’s signature darts-throwing celebration, with Ivan Toney joining in as well.
The decision to do so riled Tottenham’s players, with Maddison and Maupay having a physical altercation 15 minutes later.
Maupay’s celebration came back to bite him, with Brennan Johnson and Richarlison celebrating their goals with darts-throwing celebrations in response to the Bees striker.
The entire Spurs team had the last laugh as they went on to win the game 3-2.
Richarlison (various) 2022-23 season
Tottenham’s second season under Antonio Conte was one to forget for players and fans alike – but none more so than for Richarlison.
The Brazilian signed from Everton for £60million but managed just one Premier League goal – as it became clear Conte did not fancy him.
Fellow forwards Michail Antonio and Callum Wilson poked fun at the forward for the fact that he had received more bookings for taking his shirt off than scored goals that season.
His sole Premier League goal came when he equalised late on against Liverpool to make it 3-3 in April 2023.
Richarlison celebrated by taking his shirt off before breaking into his pigeon celebration – and was duly booked.
Unfortunately for the forward, Liverpool instantly went up the other end to score a 94th minute 4-3 winner through Diogo Jota.
Richarlison has been a success this season under Postecoglou, however, with ten goals in 21 Premier League games – more than Wilson and Antonio combined.
Ramon Sosa vs Rosario February 2024
It was a painful celebration for Paraguayan winger Sosa last week, who plays for Argentine side Talleres.
The player said he was trying to emulate the knee slides commonly seen in the Premier League, but perhaps should have thought more about attempting it on a dry pitch in the height of the Argentine summer.
Sosa’s knees got stuck in the turf and he collapsed in pain. – The Sun.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter