Ismaila Sarr copied Jean-Philippe Mateta's trademark celebration after scoring the winner against Ipswich
Crystal Palace star Ismaila Sarr confirmed his goal celebration after helping defeat Ipswich on Saturday was in honour of Jean-Philippe Mateta after his horror injury against Millwall in the FA Cup.
Sarr scored the only goal of the game as Palace beat the Tractor Boys 1-0, with the Senegalese star striking in the 82nd minute of the game to ensure a vital three points.
The 27-year-old celebrated wildly after racing into the box before lifting the ball over Ipswich keeper Alex Palmer as he sprinted over to the corner flag before kicking it.
Sarr was copying the classic celebration Palace fans have seen from Mateta this season and he has now confirmed he was paying homage to the Frenchman.
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His celebration was intriguing given that Mateta was kicked in the head by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts, who was sent off and later handed a six-game ban for violent conduct. The striker required 25 stitches after being taken to hospital.
Speaking after the game, Sarr said: "I did it for [Jean-Philippe Mateta]. He is my guy. He is a good guy. But he is doing good.
"The game today was tough but we won. I am happy for myself and the team. But we need to keep going and working hard. This team is working very hard. The first half was tough, but in the second, we scored and got the three points."
Mateta, who was taken to hospital after a horror injury against Millwall, often kicks the corner flag after scoring
Mateta is not expected to be out for a long period despite the serious nature of his injury after he avoided a fracture or concussion Manager Oliver Glasner is hopeful of having him back after the international break as the medical staff wait for his wound to heal.
"Mateta is doing well," Glasner said. "He is at home and recovering well. He had no fractures or concussion and healing from the huge wound is going as we expected.
"He will go to Marbella with us next week and he will be just training individually. If everything goes how we wish, he will be available against Fulham [in FA Cup quarter-final tie at end of March]."
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