The Brazilian coach even joined Richarlison’s pigeon dance (Photos: Getty)

Brazil coach Tite has defended his players and their lavish celebrations during Monday night’s World Cup win against South Korea, insisting they were not disrespectful.

The free Selecao beat their last 16 opponents in a brutal first half of attacking football, with Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta all finishing on the scoresheet in a 4-1 victory.

Each goal was accompanied by cheers and dance moves, with Richarlison even running to the dugout to do his signature dove with his 61-year-old manager.

Not everyone liked the choreographed celebrations, however, as ITV pundit and Manchester United legend Roy Keane called it “disrespectful” to South Korea, saying it was more like watching Strictly Come Dancing.

But Tite – who had promised his team he would be there if they taught him the moves – won’t ask his players to stop dancing because it’s a way for his younger stars to express themselves.

“You have to learn how to do the moves,” Tite said at his post-match press conference. “And the movements are very tight!

“Still, I have to be very careful. There are bad people who will say that was disrespectful.’

Brazilian players broke out dance moves after every goal (Image: AFP)

He continued: “There is no interpretation [of the celebrations] except luck on goal, luck on team and luck on performance.

“There was no disrespect for or for the opposition [South Korea coach] Paulo Bento, for whom I have great respect.”

Tite added: “We try to adapt to the characteristics of the players. They are very young and I try to adapt a little bit to their language and part of their language is dancing.”

When asked about Brazil’s halftime celebrations after beating South Korea, Keane said: “I don’t like it. [Fellow pundit] Eni [Aluko] stressed the culture and it’s their way but I think it’s really disrespectful to the opposition.

It’s 4-0 and they do it every time. I don’t mind the first joke or whatever they do.

“Then after that, and then the manager joins in! I’m not happy about that. I don’t like it at all. Disrespectful.’

It was also suggested that the decision to overtake goalkeeper Weverton late wasn’t particularly respectful either, but Tite responded: “It’s hard to trade a goalkeeper but when you get the chance it’s a chance to get everyone on to get it playing. .”