John Marquis goes viral with cheeky celebration against Carlisle goalkeeper
Woking striker John Marquis captured the attention of football fans across social media this weekend after delivering a provocative goal celebration during his side's 5-2 victory over Carlisle in the National League. The veteran forward, who netted a hat-trick in the match, chose to mock opposing goalkeeper Adam Desbois immediately after scoring from the penalty spot.
A calculated response to goalkeeper antics
The incident occurred after Marquis observed Desbois attempting to distract him by repeatedly moving across the goal-line before the spot-kick. Unfazed by the gamesmanship, the 34-year-old striker calmly converted the penalty, sending the 25-year-old goalkeeper the wrong way. Following the goal, Marquis performed a direct impression of his opponent, running to the goal-line and jumping on the spot in a clear mimicry of Desbois' pre-penalty routine.
The celebration escalated when Marquis approached the goalkeeper, extending his hand as if to offer a sportsmanlike gesture, only to pull it away at the last second. This sequence of events, which fans have described as a masterclass in "s***housery," quickly went viral, drawing widespread amusement from supporters of non-league football.
Fan reaction and social media buzz
The audacity of the celebration sparked a flurry of reactions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Supporters praised the striker for his confidence and the level of planning involved in the taunt. One observer noted that having a choreographed handshake routine ready for a celebration represents an "unmatched commitment" to the craft of winding up an opponent.
Another fan remarked that the "handshake pull-away" was colder than the match-day weather, while others highlighted that such unpredictable moments are part of what makes lower-league football uniquely entertaining. The viral moment served as the centerpiece of a dominant performance for Woking, who recently signed the former Portsmouth and Millwall striker following his departure from Shrewsbury.
Impact on Woking's season
The hat-trick against Carlisle brings Marquis’ tally to five goals in just five domestic appearances for his new club. The striker, who once modeled for Rio Ferdinand, has provided a significant boost to Woking’s attacking options following a turbulent period for the club, which included the departure of manager Jermain Defoe just weeks before the start of the current campaign.
For more updates on the latest developments in the National League, you can follow the official National League website for match reports and official standings. Marquis will be looking to maintain his scoring form as Woking continues their push up the table.