Endrick imitates King Kong after a goal, and Liverpool-URU athletes create confusion; understand gesture

Endrick’s header in the club’s 5-0 victory Palm trees over Liverpool-URU, this Thursday (9), in the fourth round of the group stage of the Liberators cupwas followed by confusion.

The attacker celebrated in reference to the movie character King Kong. Without understanding, the rival players associated it with a possible provocative gesture and set out to take satisfaction (see video below).

After the move in the 38th minute of the second half, Endrick immediately demonstrated that he had not made any celebration to irritate the players or the rival fans present at the Centenário stadium, in Montevideo, Uruguay. He even jumped over advertising boards to get away from the commotion.

The center forward, however, was warned with a yellow card by the referee. Then, coach Abel Ferreira replaced him, calling on Flaco López.

“It’s a gesture I make. I did it against Independiente (Del Valle). It was very well received. (In today’s game) It was on the side of their fans. I managed to speak Spanish to the players and explained. (…) I want to show to everyone that I like Kong”, said Endrick, after the match.

Endrick is a fan of the film King Kong, which stars a giant fictional gorilla-like monster. The character has appeared in several audiovisual productions since 1933.

Abel comes to the player’s defense

Faced with the controversy caused, coach Abel Ferreira came to the defense of the Palmeiras striker during the press conference and made a point of clearing up any misunderstanding.

“He is a very good-hearted boy. He had made the same gesture with Del Valle. It’s from a movie you all know what it is. Afterwards, he apologized, but there was no point”, said the coach.

“I understood the Liverpool crowd, but you can believe he did absolutely no provocation. This kid has a good thing which is his heart and his head too,” he added.

The alviverde commander also revealed that he asked Endrick to always celebrate goals in the same way, as other great athletes in world football do.