Freddie Ljungberg believes Gabriel Magalhaes copying Viktor Gyokeres' goal celebration after scoring for Arsenal against Sporting was 'disrespectful'.
The defender headed in an inswinging Declan Rice corner during first-half added-time for the third of five goals the Gunners scored in Lisbon. Sporting did get what ultimately proved a consolation goal, but it was notably not from Gyokeres.
Despite scoring 33 times for club and country this season, the striker did not add to that tally against Arsenal, who became one of only seven teams to stop Gyokeres from scoring over recent months. But that did not stop those inside the Estadio Jose Alvalade from seeing his mask celebration, albeit by a visiting goalscorer on this occasion.
Gabriel covered his eyes with his interlocked hands, which Gyokeres uses to cover his mouth in a celebration he has hinted the Batman supervillain Bane inspired. Bukayo Saka also copied Gabriel's gesture while running over to celebrate with the defender.
After Viaplay told Gyokeres about Gabriel's celebration, the striker said: "He's welcome to steal it if he can't create his own celebration! I didn't know he did that, but it's fun that he likes my celebration."
Ljungberg, though, did not see the funny side of it. "I'm not a fan of it," the former Arsenal interim head coach said on Viaplay. "Of course, he must have had a lot of talk about playing against Gyokeres and whether he would be able to do it.
"His point of showing that he can handle it is quite simple. But I think it's a bit disrespectful.
"Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I don't think it's necessary. I think if someone else has that celebration, leave it alone. I don't like to see it."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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