FA issue statement on Man Utd striker Joshua Zirkzee’s controversial celebration
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Joshua Zirkzee has avoided a ban following his controversial celebration during Manchester United’s dramatic win over Southampton. The Red Devils launched a late comeback against the Premier League’s bottom side on Thursday, scoring three times in the closing stages with Amad Diallo registering the first hat-trick of his career.
![[Manchester United, ManU FC v Southampton FC Amad Diallo of Manchester United celebrates with the match ball at full-time during the Manchester United FC v Southampton FC English Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, United Kingdom on 16 January 2025 Credit: Jake Kirkman/Every Second Media Editorial use only. All images are copyright Every Second Media Limited. No images may be reproduced without prior permission. All rights reserved. Premier League and Football League images are subject to licensing agreements with Football DataCo Limited. Copyright: xIMAGO/EveryxSecondxMediax ESM-1285-0122, Credit:IMAGO / Avalon]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_236252312-46a6.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Zirkzee made an important contribution coming off the bench as a replacement for Rasmus Hojlund, adding a physical presence and upredictable element to United’s forward line. The Netherlands international did get carried away following Diallo’s third goal, turning to the Stretford End and grabbing his crotch in a suggestive fashion.
Jude Bellingham was handed a one-game ban and fined £25,000 for performing a similar gesture after England beat Slovakia at Euro 2024, sparking fears Zirkzee would face and Football Association punishment ahead of a crucial run of games. The governing body has, however, opted against taking action and issued a statement on Friday.
It read: ‘As guidance, we have issued Joshua Zirkzee with a reminder of his responsibilities, and he will face no further action.’. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video.
Up Next. Amorim, meanwhile, has warned United’s campaign will continue to be a ‘rollercoaster’ as players try to adjust to his system mid-season. Even in victory against the Saints, the need for a late fightback left big questions for United given they were up against a side with only six points from 21 Premier League games, on course for the worst campaign in league history.
