Why did Yasin Ayari refuse to celebrate his goal in Sweden’s World Cup win over Tunisia?

Yasin Ayari played a key role in Sweden’s 5-1 rout of Tunisia in their opening game of the World Cup - but after scoring the first goal he chose not to celebrate.

>The Brighton star latched onto the rebound after Viktor Gyokeres had an early attempt blocked and volleyed past Tunisia keeper Abdelmouhib Chamakh in the seventh minute at the Estadio Monterrey.

>But having enjoyed a dream start to his World Cup debut, the 22-year-old did not celebrate, instead raising his hands in apology to the opposition fans.

>Ayari did so as a way of paying respect to his heritage, having been born in Solna, Sweden to a Tunisian father, Azzouz Ayari.

>The younger Ayari, who represented Sweden at the youth level, was given the chance to switch allegiances and play for Tunisia ahead of the 2022 World Cup, but he declined.

>When asked about his son’s choice to represent Sweden, Azzouz Ayari told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet earlier this year that he agreed with the decision.

>“No, I wanted him to play for Sweden,” Azzouz Ayari said. “He must feel like he’s giving back to the country that took care of him.”

>Ayari himself said: “I was born in Sweden and feel Swedish, and Sweden is the country I want to represent.”

>He joined Brighton in 2023 and made his debut for the Swedish national team the same year.

>On Saturday, Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi also offered support to Ayari.

>“I know him and his brother,” Lamouchi said. “He made a choice, I have a lot of respect, and he’s a very good player. We wish him after the game best of luck, but that is after the game.”

>In the final seconds, Ayari scored a second goal with a long-range shot to the left corner. He celebrated more enthusiastically, sliding on his knees while cupping his ear with his hand toward the Sweden fans behind the goal.

>AP