Former England striker Gary Lineker has expressed his bewilderment at Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison, following a dramatic late incident in Spurs' 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester United last Saturday.
The Dramatic North London Clash
The match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium seemed destined for a home defeat after Bryan Mbeumo put the visitors ahead. However, Mathys Tel scored a late equaliser to revive Spurs' hopes. The drama intensified in the 91st minute when Richarlison headed in what appeared to be the winning goal, sending the home fans into raptures.
The Brazilian's joy was unrestrained; he ripped off his shirt in celebration, an action that automatically resulted in a yellow card. The elation was short-lived. With United down to ten men after Benjamin Sesko limped off injured, Matthijs de Ligt scored a last-gasp equaliser in the additional time awarded, in part, for Richarlison's celebration, silencing the stadium and ensuring the points were shared.
Lineker's Baffled Reaction
On his podcast, The Rest is Football, Gary Lineker conveyed his sympathy but ultimately his confusion at the striker's actions. "Richarlison thought he'd won the game for Tottenham, didn't he?" the Match of the Day presenter said.
Lineker pointed out the direct consequence of the celebration: "Ripping off his shirt and then obviously they get extra time for that and then they [United] score in that extra time." While he labelled the rule itself "a stupid law", he emphasised that players are fully aware of it. "I just don't understand why [he did it]. I know you can get over excited, but you can get over excited by doing something else other than rip your bloody shirt off!"
He concluded with a mix of exasperation and understanding, calling the act "a bit daft" but acknowledging the emotion of scoring what seemed to be a decisive goal.
A Costly Case of Deja Vu for Richarlison
Unfortunately for the 28-year-old, this is not the first time an over-exuberant celebration has backfired. In a cruel twist of fate, Richarlison has now achieved an unwanted Premier League record. According to Opta, he is the first player since the 2006-07 season to be booked for excessively celebrating a 90th-minute goal, only for his side to concede an equaliser or winner afterwards, on more than one occasion.
The first instance occurred in April 2023 against Liverpool. After scoring his first Premier League goal for Spurs in injury time to seemingly make it 3-3, he ripped off his shirt and celebrated wildly. Mere moments later, Diogo Jota scored to win the game 4-3 for Liverpool.
This season had promised a turnaround for the £50million signing from Everton, having struggled with form and fitness for much of his three years in North London. Before the United match, he had registered four goals and two assists in 11 league games.
The result leaves Thomas Frank's Tottenham side fifth in the Premier League table, with a crucial North London derby against league leaders Arsenal awaiting them on November 23rd.
