Referee Refuses To Book Kudus After The Player Celebrates His Goal Shirt-Off In Tribute Of The Late Atsu [Class Act]

Class Act: Referee Refuses To Book Kudus After The Player Celebrates His Goal Shirt-Off In Tribute Of The Late Atsu

According to FIFA rules, it is unethical for a player to remove his shirt in the cause of play, to jubilate a goal or by means of expressing any other form of feeling.

Referee Pol van Boekel who officiated today’s game between Ajax and Sparta Rotterdam chose not to book Ajax player Mohammed Kudus for taking off his shirt to display an inscription in his underwear “R.I.P ATSU”.

On a normal day Kudus was supposed to receive a yellow card but referee Pol van Boekel opted not to book him. 

According to Mohammed Kudus in a post match presser, the act was beyond football which he believes the referee made the right call.

“We have football rules but this is beyond football, this is about life and death. The referee told me it’s not allowed (shirt removal) but he understands because this is a bigger situation than football. A big respect from me to the referee.”, Kudus said.

Kudus scored the final goal with a free kick in their 4-0 win over their opponent. Video below:

After eleven days of search, Hatayspor player Christian Atsu was found dead following the earthquake in Turkey which has currently killed over 44,000 people.