Brazil’s celebration is passion not disrespect

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The nature of the Brazilians’ celebrations has received some harsh backlash particularly after the third goal was scored when the Brazilian team ran to their manager Tite, who proceeded to do Richarlison’s trademark celebration, the dancing pigeon.

Brazil dominated South Korea in their round of 16 fixture with four goals, including a spectacular team goal finished by Tottenham’s Richarlison, securing their position in the quarterfinals where they will play Luka Modric’s Croatia, but their celebratory antics have garnered the most attention.

Pundits and supporters have been enraged, calling their dancing displays embarrassing and disrespectful to the South Koreans.

Tite responded to this criticism stating that these dancing celebrations are not intended to disrespect their opponents but bridge the age gap within the squad and keep the dressing room’s chemistry. 

The samba style of the Brazilians may not be to the liking of all countries, but that isn’t Tite’s or the Brazilian squad’s concern. The world cup and Brazil have a relationship few countries can understand, and this is a world cup after all, a festival of football that needs to be celebrated.

In life where things are so serious, what is wrong with professional athletes having fun? Is that not the message echoed by most coaches? Many say it is disrespectful to their opposition’s fans, but the celebrations are not aimed at them, it is for themselves and their people, it is for icons of the past, such as Socrates, Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos.

The emotional significance of the Brazilian’s performance cannot be understated, this result and this world cup is for their talisman, the greatest Brazilian of all time, Pele, who has fallen into ill health.

A world cup is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a player’s short-lived career. Is it so wrong to celebrate the occasion, their culture, their history and the enjoyment of the game? 

Photo: Twitter/@DougieCritchley

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Dylan Johnson