It is possible to question the thought process of a player stupid enough to get booked for removing his shirt, especially when already on a booking, and also question the rule itself. When the clampdown began in the early 90s it was out of a concern for players potentially revealing political messages or promoting commercial branding. That made sense. But the majority of these incidents are born of elation and celebration, a Ryan Giggs-style twirling of the shirt, a desire to show off physique or, most irritatingly, sheer egotism as they point to their name on the back of the held-up shirt. It’s pretty harmless. Does it really deserve a sanction on a par with a dive or ill-timed challenge that incapacitates an opponent? Isn’t the game about goals and so shouldn’t some freedom be allowable in celebration?
The rule probably needs to remain, partly to rescue football from lengthy debates about whether a message is political or not or the size of a sponsors’ logo relative to usual kit branding. Fifa is also keen to ensure shirt sponsors and manufacturers get the limelight, the money shot. Show me the front of the shirt, show me the money.
But sometimes it creates iconic images to accompany memorable moments such as Giggs’ virtuoso FA Cup semi-final goal for Manchester United against Arsenal at Villa Park in 1999 or Mo Salah ripping his shirt off to show his ripped six-pack. Half of Salah’s 10 Premier League bookings have come for removing his shirt. When he did it last season after scoring against Southampton it felt almost a deliberate counter-point to suggestions over whether he was too old for a new contract. He certainly looked lean and powerful, highlighting his dedication in preparation.
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The booking for Salah’s team-mate, Hugo Ekitike, following his winner against Southampton last night was obviously plain daft. Already cautioned for another stupid offence, throwing the ball in the air, Ekitike should have known he was on a booking and not risked expulsion and a one-game suspension. It is as much his stupidity as the offence that should rankle. The look on Jeremie Frimpong’s face signalled his disbelief at his team-mate’s act. It’s frustrating as Ekitike has not put a foot wrong this season. He’s hit the ground running and scoring since his £69m move from Eintracht Frankfurt.