Premier League considering rule change with Myles Lewis-Skelly’s celebration potentially facing harsh punishment
PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs are considering a major crackdown on player celebrations that rile up opposition fans and players.
Fans adore seeing players rub the opposition’s nose in it after scoring a goal with a suitably themed celebration.
However, recent criticism levelled towards such acts could now see players land themselves in hot water going forward.
The Premier League will now be monitoring player celebrations to see whether they are damaging the reputation of the game or inflaming opposition fans or players.
Jamie Vardy pointing to the Premier League badge after scoring against Tottenham, Iliman Ndiaye performing a bird celebration after scoring against Brighton, and Myles Lewis-Skelly meditating in reference to Erling Haaland after scoring against Manchester City are a few recent examples.
Tony Scholes, the Premier League’s chief football officer, spoke to Sky Sports on the topic and said: “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.”
Everton star Ndiaye received a yellow card in the aforementioned example, while Vardy performing a similar act against Crystal Palace a few years ago avoided punishment.
The likes of Neal Maupay mimicking James Maddison‘s darts celebration after scoring would be one example which might be seen to be inflammatory, considering both stars had a back-and-forth on social media after the match.
Meanwhile, the likes of Phil Foden or Joshua Zirkzee may also need to change celebrations or face a potential punishment due to their act of mimicking a gun being fired.
While both received no punishment for these acts earlier this season, NFL stars who imitate the shooting of weapons face heavy post-match fines.
Current IFAB rules Under Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct already outlaw the use of excessive celebration.
The rule states: “Players can celebrate when a goal is scored, but the celebration must not be excessive; choreographed celebrations are not encouraged and must not cause excessive time-wasting.
“Leaving the field of play to celebrate a goal is not a cautionable offence but players should return as soon as possible.”
The following circumstances are deemed enough for a caution to be handed out:
- Climbing onto a perimeter fence and/or approaching the spectators in a manner which causes safety and/or security issues
- Gesturing or acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way
- Covering the head or face with a mask or other similar item
- Removing the shirt or covering the head with the shirt
Lewis-Skelly‘s celebration at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday prompted the latest wave of debate on this topic.
Fans and pundits alike have found themselves torn on whether such celebrations should be celebrated for adding entertainment value to the game or whether they add unnecessary conflict.
The 18-year-old received no punishment for his celebration against City, but doing it again could end with a different result.
Arsenal player ratings vs Man City
ARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.
It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.
Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…
David Raya – 7/10
Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.
William Saliba – 5
Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.
His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.
Thomas Partey – 7
Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.
Declan Rice – 6
Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.
Kai Havertz – 6
Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.
SUBS
Ethan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7
Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.
Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5
Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/A
Riccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/A
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