The pop-icon took to the stage for a half-time show during the Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens game on Christmas Day to perform a medley of songs.
Being Beyoncé, the singer pulled out all the stops for her performance at the NRG Stadium in her hometown of Houston, Texas. The 13-minute spectacle included appearances from Post Malone and Shaboozey, covers of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ and a rendition of The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’, as well as a cameo from her 12-year-old daughter Blue Ivy.
Beyoncé’s performance even featured an appearance from her eldest child Blue Ivy (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
However, the 43-year-old ‘Crazy in Love’ singer caused controversy for using a hand gesture that has seen multiple NFL players get penalised for over recent months.
During the performance of her track ‘Ya Ya’, Beyoncé could be seen making finger gun gestures in time with fireworks exploding behind her. Later on she made the same hand gesture after finishing final song ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ as a banner emblazoned with the word ‘BANG!’ unfurled from beneath the floating platform she was stood on.
Now, throwing the odd finger guns in a performance inspired by the Wild West may seem like a pretty obvious thing considering that cowboys and guns often go hand in hand in our pop-culture.
However, the NFL may not see things the same way as players typically face fines and penalties for gestures deemed to be ‘violent’. Uh-oh.
Beyoncé may have missed the memo barring finger guns at NFL games (YouTube/NFL)
What are the penalties for ‘finger gun’ gestures?
NBC Sports previously explained how the NFL began to crack down on violent gestures earlier in the year, with several players being penalised for their choice in celebration.
According to The Mirror, the repercussion players face for making violent gestures on the pitch is 15 yard penalties and thousands of dollars in fines.
Players who are said to have fallen foul of the rule include Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and tight end David Njoku – who were both fined over $13,000 (£10k) for the gesture – as well as Drake London, Allen Lazard and Ja’Marr Chase.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was also slapped with a $14,069 (£11,190) fine for the ‘unsportsmanlike’ gesture in November during a game against Buffalo Bills.
NFL executive Troy Vincent previously explained the decision to ban finger guns at games, saying: “There’s no place in professional football for that. Think about where we are as a society…
“I don’t think that’s where we are and what we’re trying to represent. We have a responsibility as professional athletes.”
LADbible Group previously approached Beyoncé’s representatives for comment.
Beyoncé’s NFL halftime show has caused some division amongst viewers after she performed a banned gesture during her performance.
Of all the news stories to come out of the NFL Christmas Day fixtures last night, who’d have that Beyoncé would be the biggest focus?
Donning a white cowboy hat and bedazzled bodysuit, Queen Bee pulled up during the half-time of the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens game, which was broadcast on Netflix, to perform a medley of her hits – including ’16 Carriages,’ ‘Blackbird,’ ‘Levii’s Jeans’ and ‘Texas Hold’ Em’ from her critically-acclaimed ‘Cowboy Carter’ album.
However, the singer pulled a move that saw some viewers get a bit miffed about during her performance of ‘Texas Hold’ Em’.
Beyonce performed at her hometown stadium in Houston, Texas (Alex Slitz via Getty Images)
The gesture in question was a finger gun – using her thumb, index or middle finger to mimic a gun – while the words ‘Bang’ were revealed behind her.
Whilst this may seem harmless, it is a gesture that would ordinarily earn any NFL athlete a fine, which was pointed out on Twitter by one person.
They said: “Is the @NFL going to fine @Beyonce for finger guns?!’”
Another said: “Was thinking the same thing!! How many players were fined for that?’”
A third went even further, saying: “Queen Bey’s tone-deaf finger gun display at Netflix’s Christmas game highlights celebrity privilege, while NFL players get fined for basic touchdown celebrations.
“The performance, her first since husband Jay-Z’s legal troubles made headlines, seemed more focused on controversy than Christmas spirit, complete with mock shootouts at a family event.
“Looks like the self-proclaimed Queen of Texas just proved there’s one set of rules for celebrities and another for everyone else – even in her hometown stadium.”
It accompanied a ‘bang’ banner, which perhaps made it hard to hide the gesture (Alex Slitz via Getty Images)
Previously, Deshaun Watson and David Njoku, both of the Cleveland Browns, have been fined over $10,000 for the gesture.
Roger Goodell, the NFL’s commissioner, said of the gesture prior: “Troy [Vincent] had a direct conversation with the union, I think, just last week about it. We’re going to continue on that focus.
“We don’t think it’s appropriate in those circumstances and sends the wrong messages. So, we’ll continue to do that.”
Troy Vincent, an NFL executive, also previously said: “There’s no place in professional football for that.
“Think about where we are as a society… I don’t think that’s where we are and what we’re trying to represent. We have a responsibility as professional athletes”.
