Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is facing a potential three-match ban following a lewd gesture during the team’s 3-1 victory over Southampton.After Amad Diallo’s late goal, Zirkzee celebrated by grabbing his crotch in front of the home crowd, an action that has previously led to penalties for other players.
This incident mirrors past events where similar gestures resulted in disciplinary actions. During Euro 2024, Jude Bellingham was fined £25,000 and handed a suspended one-match ban for a comparable celebration after England’s win over Slovakia. Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo received a one-game ban and a £16,850 fine for making such a gesture while playing for Al Nassr in 2024.
The Football Association (FA) has a history of taking strict measures against inappropriate on-field behavior to maintain professionalism and sportsmanship.
Given these precedents, Zirkzee could face a three-match ban, impacting Manchester United’s attacking options in upcoming fixtures.
Despite the controversy, the match highlighted Amad Diallo’s exceptional performance, as he scored a hat-trick in 12 minutes, becoming the second youngest player to achieve this feat for Manchester United in the Premier League.
As the FA reviews the incident, Manchester United and Zirkzee await the decision, which will determine the player’s availability for forthcoming matches.
