James Maddison has apologised to Coventry City supporters after kissing the Tottenham Hotspur badge during his side’s 3-1 victory over his hometown club on Monday night.
The Tottenham midfielder scored the opening goal in the Premier League match, marking his first start in 18 months after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The 29-year-old found the net with a curling effort from the edge of the Coventry penalty area, sending the ball into the top corner.
Tottenham Midfielder Defends His Decision to Kiss Badge
Maddison initially appeared hesitant to celebrate against the club where his football career began, with his Tottenham team-mates pushing him towards the visiting supporters.
He eventually performed his trademark darts celebration before kissing the Tottenham badge.
The midfielder had been jeered by Coventry supporters from the start of the match, with some fans criticising his actions because of his long-standing public support for the club.
Maddison later addressed the reaction in a social media post, explaining that he had planned to celebrate his first goal after returning from injury by acknowledging Tottenham’s support throughout his recovery.
“I had already planned my first goal back. I was kissing the badge of this club who has supported me and my family through the darkest days of my career over the past 18 months,” he said.
Maddison Reaffirms His Affection for Coventry City
Despite the criticism, Maddison stressed that his affection for Coventry City remained unchanged.
“I absolutely adore and love Coventry City. All my close friends and family know that. I’m a fan and always will be,” he wrote.
The midfielder also apologised to supporters who felt the timing of his celebration was inappropriate, given that his first goal back came against his hometown club.
“I will 100% apologise to anyone who thought the timing was bad as my first goal back just happened to be against my hometown club,” Maddison added.
He concluded his message by wishing Coventry manager Frank and the team well for the remainder of the season, signing off with “PUSB”, which stands for “Play Up Sky Blues”, a familiar phrase associated with the club.
Maddison’s Goal Helps Tottenham Secure First League Win
Maddison’s strike was his first Premier League goal in 610 days and helped Tottenham record their first league victory of the season.
Coventry responded through Jack Rudoni, who equalised after Maddison’s opener.
However, second-half goals from Omar Marmoush and Ben Davies secured a 3-1 victory for Tottenham.
The result moved Tottenham out of the Premier League relegation zone and into 16th place, above Coventry in the standings.
