Amad Diallo: Why Players Are Booked for Taking Off Shirts as Man United Star Sees Red vs Liverpool

• Amad Diallo was sent off after scoring the winner against Liverpool
• The winger received his second yellow card for taking his shirt off
• Sports Brief explains why the harmless 'offence' carries a booking

Amad Diallo had a bittersweet end to Manchester United's game against Liverpool on March 17, with the second-half substitute striking deep in stoppage time to send his side through to the semi-finals in a classic 4-3 match.

The Reds had threatened to win the game twice, only for them to be pegged back on both occasions.

Antony scored in the 88th minute to force extra time, after which Marcus Rashford scored to make it three-all before Diallo won it right at the end.

The Ivorian winger was, however, sent off for a second bookable offence after he took off his shirt in the wild celebrations at Old Trafford.

URC: Lions gut the Sharks in United Rugby Championship in Johannesburg

Rugby

He had earlier been booked for wasting time and a second yellow card meant the Red Devils were reduced to 10 men in the final seconds of the game.

The referee's decision revived a discussion among fans on social media on why players get booked for a mistake as nonchalant as taking their shirts off.

Sky Sports correspondent, Olivia Buzaglo commented:

"I HATE the yellow card for taking your shirt off rule. Just scored a 120th-minute winner against your biggest rivals. Let him take his shirt off. Ridiculous."

Why players get booked for taking their shirts off

So, why does it happen? The offence has been punished consistently by referees since its introduction in 2004. Cameroon captain, Vincent Aboubakar, was infamously sent off after scoring against five-time World Champions, Brazil, at the 2022 World Cup for the same offence.

Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid star makes time for fans despite seeing red vs Valencia

Football

The incident is widely remembered for how the referee, Ismail Elfath, smiled at Aboubakar, shook his hand, but still brandished a second yellow card to the striker.

Under section 12 of the IFAB Laws on Fouls and Misconduct, a player taking off their shirt has been placed in the same category as provocative and excessive celebrations.

"Players can celebrate when a goal is scored, but the celebration must not be excessive; choreographed celebrations are not encouraged and must not cause excessive time-wasting."

Sports Bible has additionally reported that FIFA seems to maintain uniform standards worldwide as a section of members of the Islamic faith consider taking off your shirt as offensive.

The rule is also in place to deter players from promoting personal messages that might not be approved by everyone.

How many games will Diallo miss?

Luckily for Diallo, he will have a chance to play in the semi-final he helped Erik ten Hag's side qualify for. His red card will carry a one-match suspension, which can be served in league matches. He will, therefore, be ineligible for selection against Brentford after the international break.

Foden double inspires Man City to derby day fightback over Man Utd

Football

FA Cup semi-final draw

Sports Brief also reported that Manchester United faces Coventry City after the FA Cup semi-finals were confirmed.

The other semi-final will see reigning champions Manchester City face Chelsea after the Blues saw off Leicester City.