In football, it is common to see players on the field adopting a particular gesture: covering their mouth while speaking. This well-known gesture is used by footballers, coaches, and even referees.
But what does it actually mean?
To find the answer, Richard Gotte, special envoy for our colleagues at La Voix du Nord, has clarified the significance of this global gesture.
“It’s always intriguing to see players and staff members cover their mouths with their hands during exchanges in matches, as well as before and after. The goal is to protect their conversation, not letting the public know what is being said.
It’s not always confidential or of the highest importance, but the football environment has adopted this reflex due to television cameras that can zoom in and relay images. This can potentially allow lip-reading,” he explains.
Similarly, Karl Olive (head of a media training company and former sports director at Canal+) expressed similar sentiments, as reported by Le Journal du Dimanche.
“Since everything is deciphered and scrutinized, players can’t do anything outside the locker room without thinking it could harm them. A footballer needs to express themselves on the field, and this is inhibiting. Covering the mouth with the hand has become a Pavlovian reflex,” he detailed.
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