James Maddison didn’t want to take any risks whatsoever with his goal celebration after scoring for Leicester against Southampton on Saturday evening.
The midfielder netted his second goal in consecutive league games, smashing home from a tight angle to put the Foxes ahead against the Saints in the first half.
He then ran towards the corner but prevented his teammates from coming closer to him.
Maddison held up his hands, warning them to keep a distance.
He cheered on his own and held out his arm for an imaginary handshake.
Eventually he reunited with his teammates.
Maddison’s celebration came after mass debate this week with footballers coming under scrutiny for hugging on the pitch as the pandemic continues to worsen in the UK.
Coupled with a number of high-profile breaches of lockdown rules and growing cases among footballers, the sport is treading a fine line with the government if it wants to continue.
The Premier League and PGMOL wrote to referees this week, informing them that they would need to talk to discuss with captains and managers pre-match about the issue.
Officials were told to remind players to maintain social distancing when celebrating goals, hence Maddison’s reaction against Southampton.
