The Premier League are reportedly considering imposing sanctions against goal celebrations which mock oppositions’ players or fans.
A report by Sky Sports say the league chiefs are monitoring goal celebrations and pondering whether new rules need to be introduced against celebrations which damage the reputation of the game.
The news comes after a number of player caught the headlines for celebrations which appeared to goad the opposition, with some accused of crossing the line.
Iliman Ndiaye was given a yellow card after he scored Everton’s winner against Brighton and then celebrated by flapping his arms like a seagull.
Iliman Ndiaye got booked for this 😂😭 pic.twitter.com/rbYUegN1jJ
— MJ (@CFC_MJE) January 25, 2025
But Myles Lewis-Skelly escaped punishment for mimicking Erling Haaland’s celebration after scoring Arsenal’s third goal in a 5-1 win over Manchester City, while Jamie Vardy was also let off for poking fun at Tottenham fans during a 2-1 win for Leicester last month.
There has been a contrast of opinions over Lewis-Skelly’s actions, with some praising the 18-year-old and others, including Sky pundit Gary Neville feeling they were disrespectful.
18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly scoring against Man City and then hitting Erling Haaland’s celebration in his presence 🥶 pic.twitter.com/j1C7vhUFjW
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 2, 2025
Neal Maupay also faced anger from Tottenham for mocking James Maddison’s ‘dart-throwing’ celebration, with the Spurs midfielder critical of the French striker afterwards.
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.”
