Barcelona winger Raphinha has fired back at Roy Keane after the pundit criticised Brazil’s celebrations during their World Cup victory over South Korea.
Keane stated on ITV that Brazil’s celebrations, which included dancing after each first-half goal went in, were disrespectful to the opposition and expressed his unhappiness.
However, Raphinha, who started the knockout victory for Brazil, was quick to defend his teammates, claiming that it was part of Brazil’s heritage in showing joy when celebrating goals.
Brazil were emphatic, with goals from Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta securing victory to send them to the quarter-finals.
“The problem is with those who don’t like it, because we’ll keep doing it. Dance symbolises the joy of scoring a goal,” Raphinha stated.
“We don’t do it to disrespect, we don’t go in front of the opponent. We get together and everyone celebrates, it’s our moment, Brazil is celebration.
“If they don’t like it, I don’t have much to say to them, we will continue.”
TIF Thoughts on Brazil’s celebrations…
Whilst Keane is rarely ever a beacon of fun when it comes to football, the celebrations still emphatically taking place after the fourth goal in the first half may be seen as disrespectful.
However, scoring at a World Cup for Brazil is not a dream achieved by many, and with four different goalscorers on the team, each of them earned a right to celebrate their remarkable achievement.
Raphinha is correct to hit back at Keane, and should Brazil continue their fine form, the celebration critics will be in for a tough tournament.