Tomas Soucek has been praised for his respectful celebration during West Ham’s 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Thursday night.
Soucek scored the first goal for West Ham on his 30th birthday, contributing to the team’s first consecutive Premier League wins since March 2024.
Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty
Despite scoring the opening goal in front of the home crowd, Soucek refrained from his usual celebratory routine.
The Czech Republic player is known for his distinctive celebration where he extends his arms, spins twice, and punches the air.
However, on Thursday, he chose a more subdued celebration, keeping his arms at his sides.
Soucek explained that he opted against his typical celebration out of respect for Leicester’s former owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, calling it a matter of “gentlemanly” conduct.
Speaking after the game, he commented: “I felt my regular helicopter celebration was inappropriate given the tragedy that befell the Leicester owner.”
“While I wanted to celebrate with my team, it was also important for me to demonstrate respect for our opponents.”
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the late owner of Leicester City, was among five individuals who tragically died in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium in 2018.
The accident occurred on October 27th, shortly after the helicopter departed from within the stadium following a 1-1 draw between Leicester and West Ham.
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Srivaddhanaprabha, along with employees Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, and pilots Eric Swaffer and Izabela Roza Lechowicz, perished in the crash.
A recent inquest concluded the crash was accidental.
Fans have lauded Soucek for his considerate decision.
One social media user commented, “That truly reflects the man, a true gentleman and a Hammer.”
Another added, “This shows he is the epitome of a gentleman.”
A third remarked, “A class act, both on and off the field.”
Soucek’s goal was followed by an own goal from Jannik Vestergaard just before halftime.
This victory brings Graham Potter’s team level on points with Manchester United in 14th place and Tottenham in 13th.
For Leicester, this defeat marks their 11th loss in the last 12 Premier League matches.
Relegation looms for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team, as they sit in 19th place, five points away from safety.
