After Anelka’s debatable goal celebration in London, let us take a look at some of the most controversial celebrations in the beautiful game, from the hilarious to the truly absurd.
But firstly, what exactly did the Frenchman do that caused such a stir? The enigmatic striker is to be the subject of a Football Association investigation after claims that he used an anti-Semitic gesture to celebrate his first goal in Albion’s 3-3 Premier League draw at West Ham on December 28th.
The sulkiest man in Britain, who scored twice in five minutes before half-time, celebrated his first goal with a gesture known in his homeland as ‘la quenelle’ (the dumpling).
The gesticulation, with the left hand held across the shoulder of the right arm pointing downwards, is better known as an inverted/reverse Nazi salute, though it is also said to be an anti-establishment gesture.
Invented by controversial French comedian Dieudonne M’bala M’bala, the action was recently condemned by France’s Interior Minister Manuel Valls, an action he claimed supported anti-Jewish beliefs.
These days, a politician’s word carries about as much influence as Glen Hoddle’s Premiership predictions, however, Dieudonne is a friend of Anelka’s, and the two men have been pictured performing this very gesture simultaneously.
The comedian, derided for his far-right stance and anti-Semitic views, is perhaps not the best man to be hanging around with, especially when you are in the public eye 24/7.
Anelka bagged two goals for the Baggies in five minutes, having spent two months on the sideline, after picking up an injury against Liverpool in October, one of his former clubs. It was the merriment that accompanied his first strike which has created such controversy. As previously mentioned, Anelka celebrated with a seemingly racist gesture which was popularised in France.
After Joe Cole (Remember him? Ya, that’s the guy, he used to be one of the most exciting players in European football) gave The Hammers an early lead, Anelka netted his first of the game to bring West Brom level.
Even if Anelka’s impractical intention was tongue in cheek, his choice of celebration was dubious in the extreme. Especially in Europe, prejudice has run rampant throughout the sport of football, so the French forward had to realise that his actions would be thoroughly examined.
Anyhow, let’s take a look at 5 of the best, peculiar and controversial goal celebrations. It’s no surprise not to see Alan Shearer’s one-handed celebration included, as that was about as impressive as Joey Barton’s French elocution. Additionally, I have purposefully omitted Robbie Fowler’s sniffing celebration, as even my dog is aware of this infamous moment, and he isn’t even that interested in the greatest global sport. I love a joke, we all love a joke, but even that crossed the line… get it? Ah, never mind; let’s get the ball rolling before I add any more appalling jokes.
1. Nicolas Anelka
Yes, him again. This celebration came when he was an employee at Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea striker said of this particular incident: ‘It was just something for the French Federation, it was about what happened at the World Cup.’ And then somewhat conflictingly added: ‘What happened in the summer is in the past’ This celebration happened over three years ago, nonetheless, it caused a bit of a stir when the ‘handcuffs’ gesture was performed in front of a packed stadium. It came after the skilful striker scored against MSK Zilina in the Champions League. The French international, apparently sending a message to the French Football Federation, was banned by that very group for 18 games because of his role in initiating a type of World Cup insubordination.
2. Paul Gascoigne
In the build up to Euro 2006, English players were photographed on a drunken night out, with Gascoigne and Teddy Sheringham sinking copious amounts of beer and shots while seated in a dentist’s chair. Not surprisingly, when Gascoigne scored THAT outstanding goal against Scotland at Wembley, the ‘Dentist’s Chair’ re-enactment was predestined.
Gazza also stupidly flirted with sectarian politics. In 1998, the once brilliant player mimicked playing a flute (a Loyalist representation), in a match against Celtic. Gascoigne then received death threats from the IRA, however, not one single threat from a dentist.
3. Finidi George
The ‘urinating dog’ celebration, remember that? If not, please YouTube it, rather hilarious. In the 1994 World Cup, the Nigerian ‘took the piss’ (almost literally) after bagging a goal against Greece. Easily one of the most bizarre moments of USA 94, it was at the same tournament that Brazil striker Bebeto produced the epic ‘rocking the baby’ celebration.
4. Edmilson Ferreira
Then a regular scorer for Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro, Ferreira produced a moment that Bugs Bunny would be proud of. He celebrated scoring a goal against neighbours America-Belo Horizonte – affectionately referred to as the Rabbits by fans– by producing a carrot from his shorts and munching away smugly. Horizonte players didn’t see the funny side, and Edmilson was spat on by one and hacked down by another, picking up a nasty injury from this very tackle. I wonder if he asked ‘what’s up doc?’ when summoned in for inspection?
5. Francesco Totti
The AS Roma legend currently celebrates goals with the all-pervading thumb-sucking gesture, a celebration Luis Garcia introduced to England, then Tevez went one step further by introducing an actual dummy/soother into the equation. Well, before Totti became a father, the Italian pushed the boundaries a little further. After one of his glorious strikes, Totti then smuggled the ball under his shirt, ran to the corner flag and then lay on his back. It didn’t end there, my friends. Legs akimbo, team-mates then began the tricky procedure of ‘delivering’ the little one. Rather disappointingly, only a ball was produced, no baby in sight. He may be a magician on the field, but David Blaine he ain’t.
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