The FA have no problem with Rasmus Hojlund’s trademark cut-throat celebration, reports the Daily Mail.
Hojlund debuted the celebration in November last year, during a 3-2 Europa League victory over Bodo/Glimt. At the time, he registered a brace to help United come back from 2-1 down to run out winners.
His first strike, moments before the break, saw him fire his effort into the bottom corner. The Dane then ran to the fans and gave them a thumbs up before immediately turning it into a thumbs down.
He then concluded the celebration by performing a throat-slitting gesture.
The celebration initially caught some supporters off guard but eagle-eyed fans soon discovered it was a recreation of a scene from the Hollywood film “Gladiator II,” which came out around the same time.
In the movie, Emperor Geta, portrayed by Joseph Quinn, makes the same gesture when deciding whether a gladiator should live or be slaughtered in the colosseum.
Rasmus Hojlund dropped a Gladiator inspired celebration when making it 2-2 👍👎
He then went on to grab his second of the game to make it 3-2 to Manchester United 🥶 pic.twitter.com/nq6Q9K2XxB
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 28, 2024
Hojlund brought the celebration back on Sunday, after scoring United’s opening goal in the 3-0 win against Leicester City.
Man Utd haven’t lost a match this season when they’ve scored the opening goal!
Rasmus Hojlund’s goal is the difference at the break v Leicester ⏸️#LEIMUN pic.twitter.com/bahGtTS3lx
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 16, 2025
The goal was the 22-year-old’s first of 2025, bringing to an end a 22-game goal drought that saw him go for 99 days without finding the back of the net.
If there was anyone who questioned whether Hojlund’s celebration could land him in trouble, then the answer is no.
According to the Daily Mail, “Given that English football has invested millions in schemes aimed at reducing violent behaviour and knife crime, there is an argument that Hojlund’s actions could be deemed inappropriate.”
“But Confidential understands that the FA have a relaxed view on the matter and won’t be telling Hojlund to stop.”
After ending his nightmare run without a goal, Hojlund backed himself to turn a corner and start scoring regularly in a bid to help United finish the season strongly.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
