Berbatov Gets Booked for 'Keep Calm' Message

Fulham's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov tore off his shirt after scoring in his team's Boxing Day draw with Southampton, revealing a slogan apparently inspired by a popular meme that has been permeating social networks.

Berbatov broke a seven-match goalless streak by scoring his sixth goal of the season for Fulham in the eighth minute of their 1-1 draw against Southampton.

After he did so, he pulled off his jersey to reveal the words "Keep Calm and Pass Me the Ball" written on his undershirt.

Referee Phil Dowd did not find the stunt amusing and booked him for removing his shirt.

After the game, Fulham boss Martin Jol described Berbatov's T-shirt stunt as "a bit stupid" and said he would speak to the Bulgarian about avoiding a repeat.

"He probably thought he would get away with it as he never gets booked. It wasn't the brightest thing to do but he wanted to make a statement," Jol stated.

"He tells the youngsters every day to play with confidence, keep the ball and don't be afraid."

The first "Keep calm" slogan was promoted by the Government of the United Kingdom in 1939 and aimed to raise the morale of the British public in the event of invasion. Recently,  "keep calm" slogans have been posted to various social networks and forums online.