Joshua Zirkzee’s celebration against Southampton might result in a fine or even a ban from the Football Association.
The Manchester United forward was seen making a crude gesture after one of his team’s goals during their 3-1 victory over the Saints.
- Mourinho names the one team he thinks can stop Man Utd winning the Europa League
- Man Utd fans are ‘done’ with one player after turning on him in Southampton win
- Sergio Aguero names the only two teams who can stop Man City winning Champions League
United came from behind to win 3-1 at Old Trafford, thanks to Amad Diallo’s hat-trick. The Ivorian scored three times in 12 minutes, including goals in the 90th minute and stoppage time, securing all three points. . Continue Reading
His heroics led to passionate celebrations among his teammates in front of the home crowd. However, Zirkzee’s emotions may have gotten the better of him as he celebrated one of Diallo’s goals.
Facing the stands, the Dutch international grabbed his crotch with his right hand. Similar gestures have previously landed players in trouble with governing bodies.
During Euro 2024, Jude Bellingham was fined £25,000 and given a suspended one-match ban for grabbing his crotch during England’s win over Slovakia.
Cristiano Ronaldo received a one-game ban for gesturing towards fans while playing for Al Nassr in 2024.
The same issue saw the five-time Ballon d’Or winner fined €20,000 for imitating Diego Simeone’s ‘cojones’ celebration in 2019.
Simeone received the same punishment as Ronaldo for his actions.
Zirkzee was a second-half substitute for Ruben Amorim’s side on Thursday night. The 23-year-old replaced Rasmus Hojlund in attack as part of a double change in the 53rd minute.
Amorim also brought on Toby Collyer in place of Manuel Ugarte as part of the alteration.
Despite the substitutions, it was Diallo who rescued the home side against the Premier League’s bottom club.
In doing so, he became the second-youngest Premier League hat-trick scorer in United’s history, behind Wayne Rooney.
Speaking at full-time, Diallo told TNT Sports: “In football, you have to believe and we believed until the end.
“We are very happy to win this game. The confidence was there after the draw at Liverpool and win at Arsenal.”
He added: “Yeah, maybe one of the best weeks of my life. I’m very happy for this win as we deserve to win this game.
“We know we have quality players in this time. We need to sometimes have more hunger in the final third. I’m so happy for this win as the team deserve it.
“I’m ready to play every positon, to play wing-back, No.10, wherever the manager wants to put me. I am ready to fight for this club.
“I’m so happy to score a hat-trick.”
