Premier League celebrations: Leicester & James Maddison lead the way

Leicester City were the only team to follow the Premier League’s new guidance on goal celebrations – but they had a bit of fun with it.

Saturday was the start of the first full round of top-flight games since players were told to curb their celebrations because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Not only has there been a recent rise in cases in the UK, but footballers and clubs have been criticised by politicians for repeated breaches of Covid-19 rules, and warned not to abuse their privilege that elite sport has been allowed to continue while the country is under a strict lockdown.

Many Premier League players still opted to ignore their league’s request, but Leicester’s James Maddison was an exception.

He ushered his team-mates away as he celebrated his opening goal in their 2-0 win against Southampton, and then mimicked shaking hands with the air.

“The gaffer [Brendan Rodgers] mentioned it,” Maddison told BBC Sport. “We got told in a meeting that we might have to do that to keep football going, that’s what we all want.

"Football is keeping us going in these tough times. It was a light-hearted idea, someone's got to start it, eh?"

Jon Dutton, RLWC 2021 Chief Executive

Foxes manager Rodgers added: “I said to them there is lots of negativity around it but see it as a positive and be creative.

“Supporters still want to see players celebrate, [see] the happiness, so be creative with it.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters wrote to clubs on Wednesday to stress the “critical importance” of adhering to the strengthened protocols.

Clubs were reminded that “handshakes, high-fives and hugs must be avoided” and players should socially distance whenever possible, on and off the pitch.

Sports minister Nigel Huddleston said footballers must follow Covid-secure guidelines and that “football authorities must enforce them strictly”.

Original article 16.01.21 on the BBC Sport website.

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