‘It’s embarrassing’ – Gabby Agbonlahor defends players as Premier League consider rule change over celebrations

Gabby Agbonlahor has defended Premier League players as chiefs consider implementing sanctions on celebrations.

Excessive celebrations have been a hot topic of late with Myles Lewis-Skelly imitating Erling Haaland’s signature move during Arsenal‘s 5-1 win over Manchester City last weekend.

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The 18-year-old did not receive any punishment but the same cannot be said of Everton‘s Iliman Ndiaye against Brighton, who received a yellow card after he netted the winner and flapped his arms like a seagull.

The Premier League’s chief football officer, Tony Scholes, 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.”

If the Premier League were to introduce celebration regulations they would be following in the footsteps of the NBA and NFL.

NFL referees have clamped down on prolonged celebrations, violent or offensive acts such as mimicking gunfire, sexually suggestive moves and taunting opponents.

This can result in an on-field punishment or a hefty fine.

Similar to the NBA where players can receive what is called a technical foul which comes after unsportsmanlike conduct.

Receiving two in a game will result in the player being ejected from the match permanently. 

Phil Foden and Joshua Zirkzee who have their own signature gun celebrations will be the most likely to receive punishment for celebrations if the PGMOL were to clamp down on them.

Jamie Vardy has also been known to ridicule rival fans as he did against Tottenham last month after pointing to the Premier League badge in mockery of Spurs’ lack of trophies.

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He also imitated an Eagle after he scored against Crystal Palace in 2019 and did not receive a card.

talkSPORT host Agbonlahor used Vardy as an example when defending Premier League players over their celebrations.

The former Aston Villa striker said on talkSPORT Drive: “From playing the game and being one of those guys when they score, you celebrate in front of the away fans or home fans.

“Players get called every name under the sun by fans, Jamie Vardy for instance, he gets all sorts called to him, if he wants to run over to the Spurs fans and show them the Premier League badge…

“Just do what you want to do.”

Agbonlahor continued to label the potential rule change as ’embarrassing’ while Andy Goldstein added more on the topic.

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Fellow talkSPORT host Goldstein said: “The only line that can be crossed is if something is offensive or has racist connotations.

“If someone scores and flaps their arms, let him flap his arms.

“If someone wants to sit on the floor and cross their legs like they’re doing an Erling Haaland celebration, let them do it.

“It’s called housery, it’s called banter and it’s what makes the world go round. It’s doing no harm whatsoever.”

One potential concern over the celebrations is that they may cause some unsavoury scenes on the pitch between players.

Usually, celebrations do not lead to players clashing on the pitch but that was not the case for Neal Maupay last season.

The Frenchman mocked James Maddison’s darts throw celebration which led to a passive-aggressive exchange with the two holding each other and slapping their chests. 

Later the English international star posted a picture of Maupay on his Instagram doing the celebration, alongside the caption: “A short story… COYS”.

Maupay commented under Maddison’s post: “Ahaha rent free,” with kissing emojis.