Directives (10)

10. Goal Scoring Celebrations
2008/09 Directives

Removal of Shirt

Players are to be cautioned if they remove their shirt in celebration of a goal. Removal of a shirt is defined as removing the shirt over the head.

The Referee should not impose any disciplinary sanctions but must report, in as much detail as possible, to The Football Association, any such incidents of a player who does not remove the shirt but displays an undershirt bearing an inscription (advertising, political or any other type of message)

Celebrations – leaving the playing area

A player who deliberately and unnecessarily runs off the field of play towards the crowd may incite the crowd to surge forward towards the celebrating player. This could place the safety of the crowd, the players and stewards at risk. Referees are to report all incidents of players who leave the playing area in a display of celebrations. The report should include:

* Identification of the player(s) concerned
* Time of the incident
* Direction of movement of the player(s)
* Where did the players end up?

A player MUST be cautioned when:

* In the opinion of the referee, he makes gestures which are provocative, derisory or inflammatory
* He climbs onto a perimeter fence or goes into the crowd to celebrate a goal being scored
* If he is guilty of excessive time-wasting while celebrating a goal

Reports are to be forwarded, within 24 hours, to the Senior Compliance Officer at The Football Association and to the respective Competitions.

Referees are expected to act in a preventative mode and to exercise common sense in dealing with the celebration of a goal.