England's Ben Earl has gone viral over another excessive celebration

A week after the England rugby team’s on-field celebratory antics were brought to light and condemned by former coach Clive Woodward as ‘childish’, flanker Ben Earl has gone viral in the 29-10 loss to Ireland.

The England openside collapsed to his knees, fists clinched, momentarily overwhelmed by delight over a mis-executed lineout by Ireland in the first half.

Earl finished the excessive display of emotion with a quick fist pump towards the Irish backline as he roared loudly.

Here's Ben Earl celebrating a *checks notes* not straight Irish lineout throw in the first half pic.twitter.com/dvbrlIwufP

— Blood & Mud Rugby Podcast (@bloodandmud) August 19, 2023

The turnover of possession was largely to do with opposition error, which is why many fans believe Earl’s celebration is unsportsmanlike and purely goading opposition players.

England’s over the top antics are causing discomfort with fans given the results. Fans labelled the display as ‘so sad’ as Earl received backlash over his passionate display.

Ben Earl dropping to his knees to celebrate a knock on or a crooked lineout throw is so sad. Can you imagine Richard Hill doing that?!

— Tobias Pickle (@gjnn3) August 19, 2023

Ben Earl’s celebration energy is too much! How sore is his throat after a game?!

— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) August 19, 2023

1973 – Gareth Edwards scores against the All Blacks.

2023 – Ben Earl witnesses a non-straight Irish lineout throw. #IREvENG pic.twitter.com/sQZa8GFrVM

— James Stafford 🇺🇦 (@jpstafford) August 19, 2023

Ben Earl celebrating refereeing decisions like he has won the World Cup. Whether he is doing it for Saracens or England, I struggle to get onboard with it. I get that most players do this these days and I understand the “logic”, but it makes me cringe #IREvENG

— Chancey (@UberChance) August 19, 2023

Ben Earl absolutely was doing positive things. I get when England are performing as they are it’s frustrating to see them celebrating this way, but I like a bit of passion

— James Wood (@Woood_James) August 19, 2023

Legend has it Ben Earl is still celebrating this

— David Westgarth (@DJWestgarth) August 19, 2023

Some corners of England fans believe that the behaviour is driven by Saracens players as their culture permeates into the England team.

All the bad aspects of Saracens rugby are being imported into the England team. Tackling, over celebrating and constant offside. Unfortunately the good aspect, winning, is not being imported.

— Simon Clubley (@chubbers1) August 19, 2023

Maro Itoje explained the thought process in 2020 which he denied had anything to do with the opposition.

“I have a contrasting view to the premise of your question,” Itoje said at the time over celebratory antics.

“When there is a celebration of a small moment or small victory within the game it almost always has nothing to do with the opposition.

“The opposition don’t cross my mind. I try as much as possible not to waste any energy on the opposition. My energy is towards my team, it is to celebrate my teammate doing something remarkable, it is to celebrate my teammate doing something that we are trying to encourage.”

“So, it actually has nothing to with the opposition. It is more about championing a value or behaviour that we respect as a team.”