Daniher causes anger with 'disrespectful' celebration
Essendon star Joe Daniher has angered fans with a controversial goal celebration against the Crows.
After scoring his third goal in the second quarter on Saturday night, Daniher went a bit overboard with his celebrations and jumped on top of Adelaide’s Rory Atkins, rufflng his opponents hair in the process.
The overzealous display left fans fairly fuming on social media.
@CameronLing Daniher was disrespectful. You don't rub people's noses in that. Can't wait to see it being evened up one day
— Ryan Matheson (@RyanMatheson76) August 12, 2017
Not into Daniher's antics after kicking that goal? The jumping head rub? Flog. Playing well though. Well played flog. #AFLDonsCrows
— Benji Slater (@bennymcslats) August 12, 2017
Daniher isn't funny. He's a knob.
— Ben (@benno_76) August 12, 2017
He thinks it's cute but Daniher carries on like he was always the biggest kid in the playground and never got whacked back into line.
— Sean (@sjhross) August 12, 2017
There is personality and then there is being a flog. Imagine Toby Greene doing what Daniher did. All hell would break loose. #AFLDonsCrows
— Shane Sullivan (@ShaneSullivan32) August 12, 2017
Bad sportsmanship by Joe Daniher. Like to see Bombers fans if Eddie or Tex did that. #AFLDonsCrows
— Dean 🔴⚪️⚫️🇦🇺 (@StDeano1) August 12, 2017
However a number of fans were quick to point out that Daniher and Atkins are actually former teammates.
The youngsters played together in junior footy, and some fans saw the incident as a simple act of fun.
Joe Daniher and Rory Atkins played at the Calder Cannons together... everyone calm down. #AFLDonsCrows
— Supercoach Bible (@SupercoachBible) August 12, 2017
Great to see Joe Daniher have some fun with Rory Atkins after kicking that goal then. Need more fun like that in the AFL.
— Erik Ranford (@hamigramm) August 12, 2017
Joe Daniher is what the AFL needs right now. #larakin
— Eljay Connors (@eljayconnors) August 12, 2017
Daniher's first half display was the only shining light for Essendon as Adelaide showed why they're leading the comp.
The Crows left Essendon's finals hopes in tatters, downing the Bombers by 43 points.