Premier League warns players to avoid own goal over celebrations

LONDON: Premier League goal celebrations this weekend will be under intense scrutiny after players were reminded of their responsibility to set an example during the coronavirus pandemic.

When football in England restarted in June after the Covid-19 shutdown, much was made of strict measures to limit the spread of Covid-19. But footballers are coming under increasing pressure to tone down their celebrations as the country struggles to contain a highly infectious strain of the virus.

Julian Knight, the MP who chairs the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, labelled some of the scenes at matches “brainless”, saying they give out an “awful message”.

Even England’s deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, suggested footballers should avoid hugging and kissing to celebrate The Premier League sent out new directives last week, including demands that players tone down goal celebrations and avoid handshakes and swapping shirts.

Chief executive Richard Masters said the Premier League must set the “right example”, while English Football League chief executive Trevor Birch warned football would come under “extreme governmental pressure” if players continued to flout the rules.

Masters, Birch and Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham on Thursday issued a joint statement in a sign of their desire to see concrete action.

“The game has a responsibility, and during this critical period it is down to everyone involved to ensure they follow government rules and our protocols,” they said.

“We have seen the huge contribution players have made to the national effort and they must continue to use their influence in demonstrating the importance of following the rules.”

The question is, how easy will it be to change the habits of a lifetime?

Manchester City players crowded together after Phil Foden scored the winner against Brighton on Wednesday and Fulham players also hugged after their late equaliser against Tottenham.

But Harry Kane was more muted in his celebrations after he opened the scoring against Fulham, exchanging fist bumps with teammates instead. City boss Pep Guardiola defended his men after their 1-0 win, which moved them to third in the Premier League.

“In the real moment of joy, in the moment, to say the players don’t hug and celebrate together, it is instinct and reaction,” he said. “It is difficult.” Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes players will have to curb their natural instincts but accepts it could be worked on in training.