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Celtic star sparks major storm with ‘immature' goal celebration days after DEACTIVATING Instagram account amid abuse
The winger has explained his controversial actions - and you can watch his stunning goal below
PALM OFF Celtic star sparks major storm with 'immature' goal celebration days after DEACTIVATING Instagram account amid abuse
CELTIC winger Luis Palma was the hero for Honduras last night as he booked their place in the next round of the Gold Cup with a stoppage time winner - days after sparking controversy in his homeland.
Palma, 25, came off the bench in the second half to fire home the winner in the dying moments as Honduras beat Curucao to progress to the quarter-final.
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Luis Palma scoring his winning goal in the Gold Cup clash
Credit: Reuters
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His bizarre celebration after scoring the winner
Credit: Reuters
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He cupped his ears in another aimed dig at supporters
Credit: Reuters
The Celtic star was dropped for the games against Curucao and El Salvador after he came under fire following the humbling 6-0 defeat to Canada in the opening game of the tournament.
Palma and several of his team-mates were slammed by fans and accused of lacking commitment following their antics off the pitch in the days leading up to the opening clash.
A group of players - Palma included - went live on TikTok and participated in "battles" on the social media platform ahead of the tournament.
That itself wasn't an issue for fans initially until the shocking defeat on June 18.
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Palma was hooked at half-time when Canada were up 2-0.
Many felt their preparation should have been more focused on the match and blamed the defeat on the live social media broadcasts.
Palma was targeted by supporters online and closed his Instagram account after receiving a wave of criticism.
He then hit back at his critics with an unusual celebration following his last-gasp winner against Curacao.
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After he rifled the ball into the top corner in added time, Palma raced over to the crowd and celebrated with his team-mates before making a bizarre gesture.
He appeared to bring out an imaginary phone and tapped it six times in a jibe to fans who slammed him for his use of social media.
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Palma then cupped his ears in another aimed dig at his critics.
Many Honduras fans weren't impressed with his actions as one accused him of being "immature", while another branded him "arrogant".
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A social media user wrote: Luis Palma #ElTikTokero scored a goal and celebrated it stupidly and arrogantly."
Another wrote: Luis Palma, you've deserved the criticism for your TikTok lives. Speak up on the field."
A third added: "Luis Palma's celebration is pitiful and immature."
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Speaking after the game, Palma confirmed the celebration was a direct response to fans who slammed him.
"My celebration was a response to what people have said about this team.
"We have had to accept our criticism, but please be aware we are all very professional and are desperate to win.
"It was a great performance by us. Now we play Panama next and that's a tough match for us."
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Honduras face Panama in the quarter-final on Sunday, June 29.
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