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| Wednesday, November 28, 2001 17:03 EST |
Player's gesture could bring fine
[Reuters]
MADRID -- Sevilla's Francisco Gallardo is totally surprised that the Spanish Football Federation has opened an investigation into his bizarre goal celebration during his team's 4-0 victory over Valladolid last weekend.
Gallardo was caught on camera bending down and biting teammate Jose Antonio Reyes' genitals in celebration of the striker's goal early in the second half of the match.
"I don't think what I did was very noteworthy," Gallardo was quoted as saying by Spanish media Wednesday.
"I am sure I didn't offend anyone, and anyway people at (ground level) were not even aware of the gesture. It was only when it was given coverage on the television and in the press that people realize what had happened.
"Anyway, I had completely forgotten about the celebration by the time the game had ended and it would be a shame if I was punished for such a minor matter."
The player could face a fine or suspension for his actions, which may deemed to be an infringement of what is described in the federation's rulebook as "sporting dignity and decorum."
"I just felt a slight pinch. I didn't realize what had really happened until I saw the footage on television," Reyes was quoted as saying by the French Press Agency.
"Gallardo hasn't heard the end of this. The worst thing now is the stick I'm getting from the other players," he added.
Gallardo told the agency: "It was meant as a joke. A teammate gave the idea. If I had known what a fuss it would cause ..."
Goal celebrations have been the cause of previous controversies. Former Valencia player Leandro once imitated a urinating dog at the edge of the field, and Liverpool's Robbie Fowler drew criticism for crawling at a field marking and pretending to snort cocaine.
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