Sparky’s Sob story
STOKE boss Mark Hughes admits he’s worried about another Ramadan ding dong.
Flamboyant Egyptian striker Ramadan Sobhi’s goal celebrations are upsetting referees.
The 20-year-old has sparked Stoke’s surge up the table with two goals in his last two games.
But he’s picked up two yellow cards as well after letting his excitement get the better of him.
Ramadan whipped off his shirt after scoring in the 3-1 win over West Brom and was booked.
Then he got the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Huddersfield, kept his shirt on but jumped over the hoardings to celebrate with travelling fans and was shown the yellow card again.
The £5m signing, who arrived with a reputation for being a showman, sparked a 22-man brawl back home in Egypt when he stood on the ball in the middle of a move playing for Al Ahly.
Hughes says he actually likes his enthusiasm – but not if it keeps getting him in hot water.
Sparky said: “It shows the joy of scoring but unfortunately the powers-that-be frown on it.
“If you do that and then mistime a tackle, you’re at risk. It’s crazy to do it.”
Hughes would settle for any goal celebration for his injury-ravaged side at Chelsea today.
Ryan Shawcross has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a calf injury and Bruno Martins Indi and Kurt Zouma are also missing. Zouma is ineligible as he’s on loan from the champions and Martins Indi is out with a groin problem.