What is the sanction for a player who removes his jersey to celebrate a goal?

When a player removes their jersey to celebrate a goal, the appropriate sanction is a yellow card. This action is considered a spontaneous act of celebration that, while not impacting the gameplay negatively, violates the Laws of the Game, specifically Law 12 which addresses players’ misconduct. The yellow card serves as a caution for unsporting behavior.

The reason for this sanction is to maintain a level of decorum and to discourage excessive demonstrations of celebration that can lead to delays in the match or provoke opposing players or fans. Referees are tasked with managing the game and ensuring that it flows smoothly, and a yellow card for this type of celebration is an established rule to uphold that principle.

In contrast, not issuing a sanction at all could encourage players to continue this behavior, which detracts from professionalism and can lead to further issues. A red card would be too severe a penalty for such an act, as it is not deemed violent or overly aggressive, and a warning alone does not sufficiently address the infraction under the Laws of the Game. Hence, the yellow card appropriately reflects the rule while allowing the player to remain in the match.