Watch manager’s ‘big Stavros Flatley energy’ celebration after escaping relegation as fans say ‘add Benny Hill music’
A manager hailed ‘the survival specialist’ went full ‘Stavros Flatley mode’ after his Saudi Pro League side Al-Okhdood avoided relegation.
It was the FOURTH time Noureddine Zekri has been summoned to save a Saudi top-flight club from impending doom.
X @SPL_ENWatch the hilarious clip of Noureddine Zekri and his players doing a ‘Stavros Flatley-esque’ celebration[/caption]
GettyZekri was jubilant at full-time after his side escaped relegation from the Saudi Pro League[/caption]
Al-Okhdood ran out 2-0 winners over Al-Tai, who were subsequently relegated themselves, in the final game of the season on Monday.
Zekri was brought in with seven games remaining, where his side won two, drew three, and lost two, but eventually finished one point above the drop.
One of those defeats came against Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr, in which the former Real Madrid star bagged his 33rd goal of the campaign early on.
But after securing safety in the club’s first season in the Saudi Pro League, fans hilariously compared Zekri’s jubilant celebrations with the iconic 2009 Britain’s Got Talent act.
The Algerian coach first darted onto the pitch in ecstasy, running away from his players, before stretching his arms out like a child playing aeroplanes.
Zekri also adorned a black newsboy cap, as he sprinted with his head down, before his ecstatic players finally caught up to him.
And fans on social media were over the moon to see his bizarre, yet buoyant mood.
One amused fan wrote: “Big Stavros Flatley energy!”
Lagi and dad Demetrios of Stavros Flatley appearing on Britain’s Got Talent
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While a second added: “Someone needs to add Benny Hill music to this.”
A third said: “I’ve never seen a more perfect ‘look at him scram’ in my life.”
A fourth replied: “Why does he look like he’s running away from someone who is trying to steal his hat?”
Greek duo father-son dance duo Stavros Flatley shot to fame on the British talent show hosted by Ant and Dec, with their comedy combo of Irish and Cypriot dancing.
Manchester United fans also saw the funny side with one chiming in: “This was me when Kobbie Mainoo made it 2-0,” after the Red Devils beat rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Sunday.
Renowned as a Saudi Pro League “survival specialist”, Zekri first helped Al Raed finish ninth, three points above the relegation zone in 2014.
Al Fayha then called on his expertise in 2019 to ensure their place in the division- and he again delivered with a victory on the final day of the season.
The 59-year-old’s most recent rescue job came when he was hired by Damac in December 2019.
With the team suffering at the bottom of the table, he produced a spectacular escape with a run of seven unbeaten matches, including five wins, to help Damac end the 2019-20 campaign in 10th place.
