Players not celebrating against their old clubs has become a common sight in recent years, and something that seems to particularly annoy fans.
But West Brom striker Saido Berahino took the whole thing to new levels this weekend when he celebrated none of his goals against Gateshead in the FA Cup just because he couldn’t really be bothered.
Here we look at some classic non-celebrations of the past, and see how well they did.
Romelu Lukaku v West Brom (September 2014)
Lukaku chose not to celebrate because he played on loan at West Brom for a bit, then when the Baggies wanted to sign him permanently, went to Everton instead. With that kind of loyalty, we reckon he’s hiding a smirk behind those cupped hands. Bad non-celebration, Romelu.
Fernando Torres v Atletico Madrid (April 2014)
Look, Fernando, we get it – you love Atletico Madrid. But after the most spectacularly unsuccessful spell imaginable at Chelsea, it was downright profligate of him not to celebrate this crucial goal against his old club. Now back at Atletico, we’re anticipating he’ll have plenty of opportunity not to celebrate in the coming months. Reasonable non-celebration, Fernando.
Shaun Wright-Phillips v Chelsea (January 2013)
Wright-Phillips left Chelsea because he couldn’t get a game there, so we reckon the non-celebration was a little unnecessary. He’s trying his hardest not to smile, bless him, but he looks like he could crack at any moment. Reasonable non-celebration, Shaun.
Joe Cole v West Ham (December 2012)
Cole has proper connections with West Ham so can be forgiven the non-celebration here. He’s cleverly put his excited energy into doing a downward hand gesture thing, and he looks genuinely a bit uncomfortable. That could be because Jonjo Shelvey is attempting to strangle him, though. Good non-celebration, Joe.
Frank Lampard v Chelsea (September 2014)
If anything Lampard took his emotional non-celebration a little too far. It’s only a game, Frank… But if the look on his face tells a story, it isn’t half as eloquent as the ones his former team-mates are shooting in his direction. Someone give the poor man a hug. Good non-celebration, Frank.
Daniel Sturridge v Bolton (October 2011)
Luckily for Sturridge, he didn’t have too many goals not to celebrate at Chelsea, because this one against his former club Bolton really seemed to pain him. We prefer it when he does that silly dance. Excellent non-celebration, Daniel.
Thierry Henry v Columbus Crew (July 2014)
Like most things, Henry does not celebrating better than everyone else. As far as we know, the Frenchman has never played for Columbus Crew, so we can only assume he thought any sort of celebration would be beneath him. Perhaps he only enjoys goals that are scored live on Sky. Top, top non-celebration, Thierry.
Source: SNAPPA
