Former France international William Gallas has defended the Brazilian players and their celebrations at World Cup 2022, suggesting people who are in opposition to their dancing simply want to create a "headline".
Gallas was part of the France squad which finished as runners-up in the 2006 World Cup to Italy, and he has now tried to protect Neymar and Co. from receiving anymore unnecessary criticism, in his opinion.
"People always want a headline, come on," Gallas exclaimed to Genting Casino.
"Brazil is a different country and culture. They weren’t dancing in front of the Korean bench or mocking them. They went to the corner to celebrate and celebrate with their teammates, in Africa, they do the same.
"Players in the Premier League dance when they score, and no one says anything then? So why do they make a big situation out of little things? I don't agree with people who said it's disrespectful."
Gallas' argument comes after ITV pundit Roy Keane criticised the Brazil squad - and manager Tite - for dancing during their goal celebrations against South Korea.
He accused Brazil of being "disrespectful" in their rampant first half performance of the last-16 tie, as Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta all celebrated their goals with some joyful dance moves.
“I can’t believe what I’m watching,” Keane said on ITV at half-time.
“It’s obviously brilliant from Brazil, but South Korea, my goodness. I’ve never seen so much dancing, it’s like watching Strictly!”
He added: “I think it is really disrespecting the opposition. It's 4-0 and they're doing it every time. I don’t mind the first jig, but then the manager got involved with it! I'm not happy with it, I don't think it's good at all.”
