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A dispute over Brazil’s choreographed goal dances deepened today with some calling them “disrespectful” while others insisted it was simply the country’s culture.
South Korea’s 4-1 demolition of the team saw a number of routines performed by the team, which had clearly been rehearsed and pre-planned.
But former Manchester United player and now pundit Roy Keane took issue with the fancy footwork, calling it “disrespecting the opposition” and stating it was more akin to Strictly Come Dancing.
His strong views sparked a debate with football fans who could not agree on whether the moves were out of character or just harmless fun.
Raphinha, Vini Jr, Lucas Paquetá and Neymar celebrate by dancing during high score match
Soccer podcaster Edmund Oris said: “Brazilian dancing is not disrespectful.
‘What is disrespectful is doing it multiple times in a game. Imagine the players from Germany danced 7 times after beating Brazil 7-1 that year.
I’m sure you see it now.
Twitter user Mustapha said, “He’s right. You should have some respect for the other team, I feel really bad for Korea.”
Raphinha, Vini Jr, Lucas Paquetá and Neymar have seen their dance branded as “disrespectful”
Brazilian Giseli Freitas said dancing was the country’s way of celebrating success at anything.
Twitter user Mustapha said that the Brazil coach should not have joined one of the dances.
Lucas de Aragao mocked Roy Keane and suggested that his dog Timmy was as influential as him
This American social media user said he thought the Brazil team displayed a ‘classless attitude’
Another added: ‘Disrespectful of a coach. taunt the opponent, even in the first half.’
And on social media, Chapur said: “I’m an American, I rarely agree with the British, yet here’s a good point.” That is a classless attitude on the part of Brazilians.’
Brazilian Giseli Freitas said: ‘As a Brazilian, I can attest that that’s what we do to celebrate ANYTHING.
‘It has absolutely nothing to do with the other team. They’re dancing for themselves and the cheering crowd, that’s all.
A furious Keane compared it to watching the popular BBC dance show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
Even manager Tite (forward) got in on the dance, after every first half goal on Monday.
Oliver Elliot said: I’ve always been fine with Keane sharing his opinion on things.
But to hear him complain tonight about the Brazilian players having fun. It’s getting really annoying to be honest.
‘Book the next flight home, mate. Put someone else on the show.
Lucas de Aragão intervened: ‘Says the player with absolutely ZERO importance for the World Cups.
“It’s like One Direction criticizing Led Zeppelin. Roy Keane, as important to the World Cups as my dog: Timmy.
Another Twitter poster added: “Roy Keane needs to be in a nursing home, the worst is what happens.”
Brazil displayed a series of pre-planned dance routines to score their goals, something that left Keane horrified at the half-time break.
Graeme Souness was equally irritated by Brazil’s antics and backed Keane’s furious verdict.
He said it’s “only a matter of time before someone runs one of these Brazilians through.”
‘Fantastic shot from Vinicius, great start to the game. But I’ve never seen so much dancing,” said ITV pundit Keane.
‘I can’t believe what I’m seeing, I can’t believe what I’m seeing, it’s like watching Strictly [Come Dancing].’
Brazil continued to offer a variety of moves as the goals rolled in, with even manager Tite getting involved as he mimicked Richarlison’s pigeon celebration after the third goal.
‘I do not like this. People say it’s their culture. But I think that’s really disrespecting the opposition,” Keane continued furiously.
‘There are four goals, and they are doing it every time.
‘I don’t care so much about the first dance, it’s the next one, and the manager gets involved.
I’m not happy with that. I don’t think it’s good at all.
Graeme Souness backed Keane’s verdict and was equally furious at the constant dancing after goals.
“It’s only a matter of time before someone runs through one of these Brazilians,” said the Scotsman.
Richarlison’s signature ‘pigeon’ was one that seemed to cause particular annoyance as it ran towards the sideline and involved his manager.
The Tottenham striker’s moves originated from a pop group in Brazil called Os Perseguidores.
It was when Richarlison moved to Everton from Watford in 2018 that he explained the reasons behind the dance.
“The pigeon dance came from a group from Rio de Janeiro that had a song around 2012,” he explained at the time.
‘It started a trend when I did the dance at home. Everyone started copying me.
As upset as Keane and Souness were, Eni Aluko, along with the grumpy pair on the ITV pundit panel for the match, disagreed, saying she “loved” the enthusiasm at Brazil’s celebrations.
“I love it, it’s like we’re at a Brazilian party,” Aluko replied.
‘South Korea has made it easy for them. Look at this penalty, it’s personality, you can tell they don’t respect South Korea, but Neymar would have done that to most teams.”