Rules Revisited #2: Excessive celebrations

Barca does things to people...

Confused? Read on.

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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.

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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
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So much for passion, I guess. But, at least we’ll still get to see those dedicated dances with hours of effort behind them, right?
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.
I should have known better. The clause ends with some kind words of advice for the referees.

Referees are expected to act in a preventative manner and to exercise common sense in dealing with the celebration of a goal.

Well, at least there’s some leeway. And common sense would probably be the best way to decide things after all. Unfortunately, common sense is quite subjective. Take a look at the various reactions to Robben’s sending off for celebrating a bit too much during a 2-1 win over Sunderland during his Chelsea days .
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I can’t believe it, celebration is a natural thing to do.. all he was doing was simply celebrating after a job well done with his fans. It wasn’t like he was actually inciting fans because it was his own side. This really is the most silly call I have ever seen a referee make in my history of commentating.
- Andy Gray
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He will not do it again. He will remember for his career [that] because he has had a yellow card that (sic) he cannot celebrate with the fans when he scores a goal. I think Foy did well because he did what the rule says he had to do.
- Jose Mourinho
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I guess at the end of the day, football is a game of uncontrollable passion and what do you know? I have Avram Grant on my side!
Next time I will tell my players to go to a funeral when they score.
- Avram Grant, after Piquionne was sent off and Everton went on to score an equaliser.
Edited by Staff Editor
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