Much praise has been heaped on Richard Dunne following his opening goal in Monday night's 1-1 draw for his refusal to celebrate the goal, out of respect for the City fans - who in turn clearly conveyed their feelings and regard for him throughout the game.
The 'non-celebration' has been something the press have focused on recently, and always in comparison to Emmanuel Adebayor's infamous celebration after scoring against Arsenal, and Carlos Tevez appeared apologetic after scoring for us against West Ham.
Are we not in danger though of this issue being treated somewhat excessively though? To be disrespectful to fans who held you in high esteem is one thing - however there was clearly no danger of Dunne 'pulling an Adebayor' (although you have to admit that would have been some sight to see) so would City fans' view of Dunne be any different had he celebrated his goal along with his team mates (rather than the slightly awkward situation that we saw of them celebrating around him) in front of the Villa fans, as he would celebrate any other goal?
Would he stand accused of being disrespectful, or see his standing and reputation with City fans diminished?
The reaction that he received after scoring against us, and throughout the game as a whole, suggests otherwise.
The 'non-celebration' has been something the press have focused on recently, and always in comparison to Emmanuel Adebayor's infamous celebration after scoring against Arsenal, and Carlos Tevez appeared apologetic after scoring for us against West Ham.
Are we not in danger though of this issue being treated somewhat excessively though? To be disrespectful to fans who held you in high esteem is one thing - however there was clearly no danger of Dunne 'pulling an Adebayor' (although you have to admit that would have been some sight to see) so would City fans' view of Dunne be any different had he celebrated his goal along with his team mates (rather than the slightly awkward situation that we saw of them celebrating around him) in front of the Villa fans, as he would celebrate any other goal?
Would he stand accused of being disrespectful, or see his standing and reputation with City fans diminished?
The reaction that he received after scoring against us, and throughout the game as a whole, suggests otherwise.