Arsenal slammed for ‘mocking’ Covid-19 rules with Newcastle celebration
Arsenal have been criticised after 'mocking' new celebration rules advised due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Players have been urged not to celebrate together after scoring as the Premier League bring in protocols designed to make the division Covid-secure.
Some teams have failed to adhere to that advice, as Arsenal did this evening.
After Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang found the net against Newcastle, Gunners stars hugged in a tight circle, congratulating the Gabon forward.
But the group of players then spread out in a circle, laughing as they partook in a socially-distanced celebration instead.
Football fans took to social media to voice their concern, criticising Arsenal for making light of the new rules designed to keep players safe.
"Arsenal players all hug one another then do a social distanced celebration?" one said.
"Did the arsenal players just all celebrate together .. then do a mock “stand away from eachother” celebration," one wrote.
"Nah that celebration don’t sit well with me. Arsenal players huddling and cuddling then separating to take the piss out of it," said another.
"Arsenal doing a social distanced celebration after jumping on each other first Loudly crying face banter club," a fourth wrote.
"Arsenal really are taking this ‘no goal celebration’ rule seriously, aren’t they?" noted one.
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"Presumably @Arsenal will have any points they gain tonight deducted for that dangerous Covid-spike inducing goal celebration?" said another.
Speaking this week, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters discussed the new protocols.
“I think if every club does that, then they will get the hang of it,” Masters said.
“All sport is played in the moment, with emotion, if we set ourselves the target of perfection, we will fall short.
“All we’re asking is that players adjust to the situation. I think they understand that we’re in a fortunate position, where we’re able to play, we’re able to carry on while millions of others aren’t.
"You’ve got to follow the rules and also set a good example.”
And Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola agreed with the new measures.
“A lot of people are dying, unfortunately, every day and a lot of people are being infected,” he said.
“We are going to do our best to follow the new rules. The scientists inform us what we have to do – but please, the situation that is happening in the UK is not due to football players.”
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