Rumour: Ending of iconic goal celebration? Fans stunned by viral claim
A viral post on social media has sparked widespread debate after claiming the Premier League is preparing to punish one of football’s most recognisable goal celebrations, a move that could quietly change scenes fans have grown used to for decades.
A claim spreading rapidly online
A report circulating on social media has drawn attention from supporters across English football. The claim suggests that referees will soon be instructed to penalise a specific type of goal celebration that has long been part of the game’s visual identity.
According to posts shared on X by the account FrancisChipp, the Premier League is preparing a new disciplinary interpretation that would come into effect from January 1.
The account claims referees would be told to issue yellow cards to players who perform knee slide celebrations after scoring.
Safety concerns cited as motivation
According to FrancisChipp, the reported decision is motivated by concerns over player welfare.
In one post, the account wrote, “EXCLUSIVE🚨: The Premier League have BANNED the knee slide celebration, from January 1st performing the act will be a yellow card offence.”
The same post stated that the move aims to reduce injury risk, pointing to potential problems such as turf burns or joint strain associated with the celebration.
At the time of writing, the Premier League has not released any official statement confirming a change to celebration guidelines or referee instructions.
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No official confirmation yet
There has been no verification of the claim from the league, referees’ body, or clubs.
No major UK broadcasters or football authorities have publicly reported the alleged rule change, leaving the story based entirely on social media reporting for now.
As a result, supporters and clubs are awaiting formal clarification before treating the information as confirmed policy.
A moment framed as history
A follow up post from the same X account added a narrative twist to the claim.
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According to FrancisChipp, Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães may have unknowingly marked the end of an era. The account stated that the Brazilian performed a knee slide celebration after scoring in the 93rd minute against Burnley on Tuesday evening.
The post suggested that, if the reported interpretation is accurate, Guimarães would be the last player to complete a legal knee slide celebration in the Premier League.
Why the story has struck a nerve
The knee slide has been a defining image of goal celebrations for generations, particularly in dramatic late match moments.
If the claim proves accurate, it would represent a subtle but symbolic shift in how players are allowed to express emotion on the pitch. For now, the story remains unconfirmed, rooted in social media, and closely watched by fans awaiting an official response.
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Sources, X, FrancisChipp
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