What UEFA’s rules say about Nicolas Jackson’s new celebration after player was punished for a gesture
Nicolas Jackson made a throat-slit gesture while celebrating a goal for Aston Villa in their big 6-0 Champions League win over Fenerbahce. This came just weeks after another player was banned for the same gesture, but there’s an important rule that might explain why Jackson’s celebration didn’t cause trouble.
Jackson scored two quick goals within eight minutes in the first half, helping Unai Emery’s team dominate the game. Since joining Villa from Chelsea in the summer for £47.5 million, he has now scored five goals in all competitions. Before this, he made a similar celebration—thumbs down followed by the throat-slit—when Villa beat Spurs 3-2, but didn’t get punished then either. While some Fenerbahce fans complained online, there’s a recent example from European football that helps put this in context.
In the Premier League, no issue was raised about Jackson’s celebration. But Monaco striker Paris Brunner was banned for four games (two suspended) after making the throat-slit gesture in a match against Strasbourg. Brunner explained that the gesture came from strong emotions after scoring and said he didn’t mean to offend anyone. He also shared that fans insulted his family, and while he doesn’t regret his reaction, it was misunderstood.
The ban happened because the referee mentioned the incident in his report, and France’s disciplinary committee acted on it. The key difference is that Brunner directed his gesture at the home fans, while Jackson pointed it at the camera, not facing the stands. According to IFAB’s Laws of the Game, used by UEFA, players can be banned for goal celebrations that are “provocative, derisory, and inflammatory.” Since Jackson wasn’t targeting the fans directly, it seems unlikely that UEFA will punish him. SPORTbible has reached out to UEFA for a comment.
Even though Villa’s Premier League form has been mixed, they’ve started strong in the Champions League, winning both of their opening games, including a 3-2 win away at Club Brugge. Playing alongside new signings Ibrahim Mbaye and Johan Manzambi, Jackson praised his teammates after the match.
“They’re two amazing players, and I love playing with them,” Jackson told UEFA after the game. “I hope we score many goals and assist each other.”
He added, “I’m really happy we won today. That’s what matters most. It’s our first home win, and we kept a clean sheet too, which is great for our goalkeeper and defense.”
Jackson also had kind words for his coach: “Unai Emery is amazing, both as a coach and a person. He’s great for every player. I’m happy to be here, and we’re all happy here. We want to fight for him and win games. Getting this first home win is very important.”