To celebrate or not to celebrate... This is the question

Then and now. Same old, same old...

Going through the electronic rags last night as you do, I came across Oliver Holt's article in the Mirror in which he supported Jonjo Shelvey's non-celebration against Liverpool calling it a "...throwback to the time, 40 years ago when..."  Likening Shelvey's case to the Denis Law goal for Man City against Man United back in 1974.  I think there is an assumption here that a celebration is some kind of mocking or disrespectful action. If done correctly, this is never the case. Otherwise, it can no longer be called a celebration but an insult - which of course incites anger and resentment. To treat an honest celebration in any other way is both draconian and backward.

Firstly, these two scenario's are very different indeed. Wasn't that goal the goal that pretty much condemned United to relegation that year? I can understand him not celebrating that. I still don't agree but I can appreciate why he chose not to celebrate the goal. Law clearly held United in great esteem and there is no problem with this. Secondly, I don't believe the match between Liverpool and Swansea was as severe as for either team. It's clear Shelvey would have loved to stay at Liverpool and become a part of Brendan Rodgers' revolution. It's also clear that for whatever his issues the Liverpool support, me included, had and still retain a liking for Shelvey. He's a decent player and overall, a good honest lad who always gave of his best for the club and will do so for Swansea. 

This is what the LFC faithful have always asked of their players. But ask yourselves this. Has Shelvey not earned the right to celebrate that goal? It was top drawer stuff and deserving of celebration by both sets of supporters. I didn't like him scoring. Not because I have anything against him more because it was against Liverpool. But, that's just the way it goes - and especially with the team's current defence and Martin Skrtel the reincarnate of Phil Babb! Having said that, I didn't and wouldn't have given him any abuse. Fair play to the boy, and privately he must have been happy that he's shown Rodgers what he let go. That's the second goal he's scored against Liverpool. The last one an equally impressive effort at the Liberty Stadium. 

Holt refers to a "kinship" from this bygone era. Kinship, for me is a relationship. An understanding. A closeness and respect as one would have for a family member or close friend. This surely works both ways? Liverpool, and all fans for that matter should be more accepting of another's achievements. For one that was once your own and most importantly, left with dignity and good intent, it is our duty in kinship is to support him. After all, it's not unheard of for the Kop to applaud opposition goals, and this from players who never played for the club and celebrated keenly. Does it matter then that he played for Liverpool FC?

Aren't Liverpool fans supposed to be known for their knowledge and appreciation of, all things good in football? Does this have to be conditional. Provided Shelvey shows no disrespect in his celebration - index finger on the lips, hand to ear etc - then a joyful celebration should be accepted as his right. Liverpool's supporters did rightly applaud Shelvey's goal but I like to think that had he celebrated as any other player would, then the supporters would and should have reacted in the same way. 

Another point I didn't like about the article is that Holt compared the situation to that of Cristiano Ronaldo when he scored for Real Madrid against Manchester United. Really? Which Cristiano Ronaldo is he talking about? The mercenary who shamelessly courted a move away from the club that brought him to the world stage? Let's face it, he certainly didn't leave so he'd be "guaranteed first team football" which is a claim made on occasion. Probably correct for Shelvey, but a million miles away for Ronaldo. Didier Drogba is also mentioned and this I agree with. He loved Chelsea and Chelsea loved him. I'm sure he could have taken his pick of the giant Spanish sides but stayed put. In any case, if he scores for Galatasaray tonight he should celebrate. Joyfully and respectfully. Chelsea's supporters owe him that. 

A celebration is what it is: An acknowledgement of a happy event. Do this respectfully and this is all anyone can ask. Then it can be enjoyed by all. This is what I call kinship and it shouldn't cause a problem. Anything else is simply concession. After all, as Kool and the Gang said "We're gonna have a good time tonight, let's celebrate, it's alright"!

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