PFF to get tough on goal celebrations

LAHORE Pakistan Football Federation President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat has asked the referees to book only those players who celebrate beyond limits in Pakistan Premier Football League and PFF League. Booking a player for simple goal celebration is pointless and invariably leads to players being shown a yellow card or even a red card if it is the second caution of the game, he said. While it is permissible for a player to demonstrate his joy when a goal has been scored, the celebration must not be excessive like New Zealands Winston Reid who picked up a yellow card for exuberant celebration doffing his shirt upon following his goal against Slovakia in 19th World Cup match at Rustenburg on June 15, 2010, he said. 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, said Faisal. Celebration of a goal is part of Law 12 of Fouls and Misconduct and a player must be cautioned if in the opinion of the referee, he makes gestures which are provocative, derisory or inflammatory, he climbs on to a perimeter fence to celebrate a goal being scored, he removes his shirt or covers his head with his shirt, he covers his head or face with a mask or other similar item.

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