Seven classic pictures of fans going apesh*t at players: Alli, Henry, Terry…

Quick Reads

It’s one of football’s guiltiest pleasures – seeing the faces of supporters when opposition players are celebrating in front of them – and clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have provided classic examples of the genre in years gone by. 

The Laws of the Game state that “while it is permissible for a player to demonstrate his joy when a goal has been scored, the celebration must not be excessive”, but who could forgive players for winding up supporters who’ve been abusing them beforehand.

After Reece James celebrated in front of Arsenal supporters during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory, we’ve selected some other classic photos of fans losing their shit at someone else’s happiness.

Reece James

Your eyes are instantly drawn to that beard. We don’t blame you, it’s spectacular.

Or to the perfect illustration of couple goals towards the bottom right of the picture, with both parties gesticulating with one hand and holding their burger in the other.

But the real star of the show is the man holding his head in his hands. Rumours the image will form Arsenal’s new badge remain unconfirmed.

Dele Alli

Keep an eye out for the Lord of the Rings extra giving Alli the finger.

Thierry Henry

“During my eight years there, something came into me,” Henry told l’Equipe in 2015. “I have learned the culture of this club… I learned to hate Tottenham.”

This picture demonstrated that hatred was mutual.

Emmanuel Adebayor

“There is only so much abuse a man can take until he reaches breaking point. I was being abused by people who six months ago were singing my name.”

After scoring for Manchester City, Adebayor raced to the opposite end of the pitch and baited the travelling Arsenal fans.

The result is a masterclass of its kind. Like all great pieces of artwork, something new grabs your attention every time.

John Terry

Terry provoked this reaction wherever he played domestically, but this particular photo shows the east London branch of his fan club.

This wall of absolute fury is elevated by the presence of two of Terry’s relatives – who don’t refrain from joining in.

Wayne Rooney

Manchester United legend Rooney has never been a fan’s favourite at the Etihad, so their reaction to Rooney’s goal for Everton in 2017 was hardly surprising.

Steven Gerrard

Not much segregation here, but shots of Liverpool fans celebrating Gerrard’s goal in the 2001 Merseyside derby are interspersed with some classic dismissive, flicked V-signs.

More from Planet Football

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How Thierry Henry’s first Arsenal hat-trick signposted his legendary status

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