Paul Smith


Goal celebrations, an integral part of the multi-million pound game we know today. A chance for players and fans to connect with each other and share a moment of ecstasy following a last minute winner or 30-yard thunderbolt. Unfortunately the footballing authorities don’t appear to share the same viewpoint, with referees directed to caution players who they view to go over the top when celebrating a goal. This has led to some farcical scenes with players being sent off for picking up a second booking just by celebrating a goal.

When Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor rose unmarked and directed a downward header past Manuel Almunia to give his side a 3-1 lead with ten minutes remaining against Arsenal it was certainly a goal worth celebrating. Manchester City fans have quickly taken to the Togolese international whose record of scoring in every game he played has played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s perfect start to the season. This was his moment to connect with his new followers. Unfortunately when Adebayor wheeled away in celebration he sprinted to the other end of the pitch where the visiting Arsenal fans were situated. Missiles were thrown towards the former Gunner, with one hitting a steward and rendering him unconscious momentarily whilst some Arsenal fans were eager to enter the playing area to confront their former hero. Thankfully City keeper Shay Given acted quickly and ushered Adebayor back towards the centre circle before events got out of hand.

The nature of the celebration wasn’t just a random act on behalf of Adebayor. His relationship with Arsenal fans in his final year at the Emirates was fraught to say the least. The Togolese striker was heavily linked with a move to AC Milan and Barcelona before the 2008/09 season but in the end he decided to stay. Some Arsenal fans took exception to Adebayor’s near betrayal and he was booed by sections of the Emirates crowd in the opening weeks of the season. Although the hitman went on to score 16 goals in his final season as an Arsenal player, fans felt Adebayor’s heart was no longer at the club and that he was seeking a move away from North London at the first available opportunity. When Manchester City offered £25M for the Togolese international’s services Arsene Wenger decided to cash in. 

In the lead up to the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Arsenal, Adebayor was not shy in using the media to voice his opinion of his former club’s fans, claiming that they did not support him enough and that he was now at a club where the fans did support him. During the game itself the visiting fans sang a vulgar song about Adebayor’s family which would have upset the City striker but that still doesn’t excuse his actions. His nonsensical celebration could have put the safety of people in the stadium at risk and the stewards deserve credit for keeping the situation under control. Premier League footballers as role models have a moral responsibility to behave appropriately at all times, on this occasion Adebayor failed to adhere to this responsibility. 

City manager Mark Hughes has been quick to defend his striker by stating Adebayor should be given ‘some slack’ after the level of criticism directed at his star. The Togolese international did apologise immediately after the game saying he was ‘caught in the moment’ but he is experienced enough to know better after competing at the top level of the game for several years.

The FA has not taken on board Hughes’ comments and has taken quick and decisive action by charging Adebayor with improper conduct for the nature of his celebration. A hearing is due to take place in the coming weeks to determine a punishment and The FA does hold power to suspend a player for such behaviour. Unfortunately it goes from bad to worse for Adebayor as he has also been charged with violent conduct for an alleged stamp on Robin van Persie in the same match. The FA has decided to suspend him with immediate effect for three domestic matches and this means he will miss the Manchester derby as well as a Carling Cup tie against Fulham and a Premier League fixture against West Ham. 

The discussion points following Manchester City’s 4-2 victory over Arsenal should be based around the club’s assault on the top four. Instead it has been overshadowed by the antics of one man.

Adebayor is a fantastic talent with a proven goal scoring record. He has already demonstrated what a valuable asset he is by netting in every Premier League game for his new club and is looking well worth his £25M transfer fee. However, the Togolese striker is already facing a three match ban and when the improper conduct charge is heard he may face a similar ban. If he is to continue to be an asset for City he needs to be on the pitch scoring goals, he can’t do that sat in the stands.

Adebayor is clearly an emotive character and wears his heart on his sleeve but he is naïve if he believes he can express his true feelings to the media without facing consequences from his peers or opposition fans. Like all good managers Mark Hughes has supported his player publicly but privately he must take steps to ensure Adebayor does not make the same mistake again.

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