Confused? Read on.
Football is a game of passion. The beautiful game has frequently seen players overwhelmed by the stage, by the occasion and by what they have achieved. From the famous Tardelli scream at the 1982 World Cup to Jürgen Klinsmann diving, celebrations have provided some of the most memorable moments of highlight reels. The Africans brought a new dimension to goal celebrations with their electric, colourful dances. Roger Milla’s dance at the 1990 World Cup encapsulated the joy that the game brings to people all over the world. Bebeto celebrating his goal with a celebration that announced the arrival of his new-born son is another celebration that remains etched in memory. In recent times Stjarnan FC, an Icelandic outfit, have delighted Youtubers with their elaborately choreographed, outlandish celebrations.
However, sometimes players are overwhelmed to such an extent that you need to take a step back and wonder how a group of men could be so passionate about kicking a plastic ball. It looks like FIFA agreed with this view because a few years back they introduced a clause into Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct that discouraged celebrations that were “excessive”.
While it is permissible for a player to demonstrate his joy when a goal has been scored, the celebration must not be excessive.- FIFA, football’s universal party pooper
Reasonable celebrations are allowed, but the practice of choreographed celebrations is not to be encouraged when it results in excessive time-wasting and referees are instructed to intervene in such cases.
Referees are expected to act in a preventative manner and to exercise common sense in dealing with the celebration of a goal.