Senegalese fans have every reason to celebrate, after being the first African side to win at this year’s World Cup.
But instead of storming the streets to riot and party, football lovers from Senegal celebrated by staying behind and picking up after themselves at the Moscow stadium.
#TyCSportsMundial Senegal consiguió un triunfo histórico. Pero sus hinchas en lugar de festejar a minutos de terminado el partido, se encargan de limpiar su sector antes de retirarse. #RESPECT. pic.twitter.com/RiKovpfmoT
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) June 19, 2018
But it looked like they weren’t the only fans in the stadium with impeccable manners: some supporters from Japan were also seen tidying up the Mordovia Arena in Saransk after their win against Colombia on Tuesday night.
Equipped with large trash bags that they brought along, fans wearing blue jerseys marched along the rows to pick up trash, leaving the place as neat as it was when they found it.
https://twitter.com/pinkys421/status/1009075725725364224
Although the Japanese are notorious for their respectfulness, it’s still quite a sight to see them in action.
“It’s not just part of the football culture but part of Japanese culture,” football journalist Scott McIntyre told the BBC.
This is my favourite moment of the World Cup so far; Japan fans picking up litter after their victory vs Columbia. The lessons in life we can take from the game. Why I support ?? #class✅#respect✅#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FyYLhAGDbi
— Christopher McKaig (@Coachmckaig) June 19, 2018
“You often hear people say that football is a reflection of culture. An important aspect of Japanese society is making sure that everything is absolutely clean and that’s the case in all sporting events and certainly also in football.”
One Nigerian fan got the memo when he tweeted his country’s team and joked:
@NGSuperEagles If this will bring victory pls sweep the whole football field before the game
— EBUKA?’Gabriel (@Gabexgology) June 19, 2018