If D.C. United’s Yamil Asad has the good fortune of scoring against Atlanta United on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he will leave the celebrating to his teammates.
As a sign of respect, it’s not uncommon for a soccer player to refrain from reveling against a former team for which he or she enjoyed a fruitful tenure.
“I have great respect for the fans and the people of Atlanta,” he said through an interpreter this week, “and that’s why I wouldn’t celebrate a goal.”
Some say it’s an unnecessary act: While rubbing a goal into a former employer’s face is uncouth, muting expression is contrary to a sport that cherishes every precious score and emotions flow from sidelines to stands.