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Actions of former Portsmouth and Doncaster Rovers striker John Marquis go viral on social media – but goal celebration splits opinion

Former Pompey striker John Marquis has been attracting plenty of attention on social media over the past couple of days

Published: Monday, 28 September 2026 at 12:01 PM
Actions of former Portsmouth and Doncaster Rovers striker John Marquis go viral on social media – but goal celebration splits opinion
Key Things to Know
  • Woking defeated Carlisle 5-2 at Brunton Park behind a John Marquis hat-trick.
  • Marquis went viral for mimicking goalkeeper Adam Desbois's dancing antics after scoring a penalty.
  • The striker also offered and then retracted a handshake from the Carlisle keeper.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Portsmouth striker John Marquis went viral on social media following a controversial goal celebration during Woking's 5-2 National League victory over Carlisle. The 34-year-old scored a hat-trick at Brunton Park, which included two penalties. After converting one of the spot kicks, Marquis mocked opposing goalkeeper Adam Desbois by mimicking his pre-penalty dancing antics before leaving a proposed handshake unanswered.

The incident generated substantial attention online, with social media reactions split between amusement and criticism of unsporting conduct. The treble marked Marquis's first hat-trick since 2017 and took his tally to five goals in six games for Woking, having joined the club during the summer after his departure from Shrewsbury Town.

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