Ntep’s’s Provocative Goal Sparks Tension as Reims Fall to Rennes
Stade de Reims ended their home campaign on a sour note Saturday, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Rennes in a match overshadowed by controversy and frustration. While the result itself was disappointing for the home fans, it was Paul-Georges Ntep’s audacious finish that truly stole the headlines — and not for the right reasons.
The Franco-Cameroonian forward scored Rennes’ third goal in stunningly cheeky fashion, heading the ball into an empty net after capitalising on a defensive blunder from Reims. Rather than a composed finish, Ntep chose to taunt his opponents, jogging the ball to the goal line and nodding it in with theatrical flair — a move widely perceived as mockery.
The act infuriated Reims players and supporters alike, with many interpreting the celebration as disrespectful rather than entertaining. The home crowd, already stung by their team’s lacklustre performance, voiced their displeasure vocally, creating a tense atmosphere at Stade Auguste-Delaune.
Prior to that moment, the match had seen Reims struggle defensively throughout. Rennes took full advantage, showing a clinical edge in front of goal that the hosts lacked. Despite pulling one goal back, Reims were outclassed for most of the match — a disappointing way to close their season at home.
For Rennes, the win capped a strong away performance and further highlighted Ntep’s growing influence within the team — though his choice of celebration may be discussed as much as his goal itself.
Reims, on the other hand, will need to regroup and reflect after a turbulent end to their home campaign, both in terms of results and morale.
