Gary Lineker expressed confusion over the actions of a Tottenham player during the intense 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Saturday. The match saw Spurs facing yet another home defeat in the Premier League, but Mathys Tel’s late goal to equalize Bryan Mbeumo’s opener gave hope.
In the 91st minute, with United reduced to ten men after Benjamin Sesko left the field due to an injury, Richarlison scored what appeared to be the winning goal, leading to a frenzy of celebration in north London. However, the excitement was short-lived as Matthijs de Ligt equalized in the final moments of the game, resulting in a shared point.
This outcome was disappointing for Tottenham and left Richarlison with a moment of embarrassment. The 28-year-old forward removed his shirt to celebrate his goal, which ultimately led to a yellow card that proved unnecessary.
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Former Spurs striker Lineker acknowledged the emotions behind Richarlison’s celebration but still criticized him for an action he knew would result in a booking.
‘Richarlison thought he’d won the game for Tottenham, didn’t he?’ the England legend said on The Rest is Football.
‘Ripping off his shirt and then obviously they get extra time for that and then they [United] score in that extra time. I think it’s a stupid law to get a yellow card and obviously if it happens in injury time you get extended injury time. ‘But also, even though it’s a silly law, you know what it is, and 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! ‘It’s a bit daft but I get it. It’s a big goal for him and he thought at the time he’d won the game. But honestly… footballers, glad I wasn’t one!’
Unfortunately for Richarlison, this is now the second time he has prematurely celebrated a last-minute goal. In April 2023, he believed he had secured a point for Spurs against Liverpool in injury time with his first Premier League goal for the club, immediately removing his shirt and jumping into the away end at Anfield. However, just a minute later, Diogo Jota scored to win the game for the Reds 4-3.
Richarlison has faced challenges with fitness and form since his £50 million transfer from Everton to Tottenham three years ago. However, he has started this season strongly with four goals and two assists in 11 league games.
He is not the only player to face criticism for excessive celebrations this season. Hugo Ekitike was sent off after removing his shirt to celebrate his winning goal in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup match against Southampton.
The result of Saturday’s game leaves Thomas Frank’s side in fifth place in the table, with their next match scheduled for November 23 against league leaders and arch-rivals Arsenal.
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