James Maddison has apologised to Coventry fans as he explained his decision to kiss the Tottenham badge after scoring against his hometown club.
Maddison scored Tottenham’s opening goal in their 3-1 victory over the Sky Blues on Monday night, which marked his first start in 18 months following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The 29-year-old netted with a curling effort from the edge of the Coventry box which arced into the top corner.
Maddison initially appeared reluctant to celebrate against the club where his career began as he was pushed towards Tottenham fans by his team-mates.
The midfielder eventually was seen performing his trademark darts celebration, before kissing the Tottenham badge.
Maddison, who was jeered from the start by away supporters, had been criticised by some Coventry fans over his celebration having been vocal about his support of the club.
James Maddison has apologised to Coventry fans after kissing Tottenham’s badge after scoring against his hometown club
Maddison insisted his goal celebration was to thank Tottenham for their support in his long recovery from an ACL injury
Maddison insisted in a social media post that his celebration was to reflect the support Tottenham have shown him through his long recovery from his ACL injury.
‘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,’ Maddison said.
‘I absolutely adore and love Coventry City. All my close friends and family know that.
‘I’m a fan and always will be and 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.
‘Good luck to Frank and the boys for the rest of the season. PUSB.’
Maddison’s goal, his first in the Premier League for 610 days, helped Tottenham secure their first Premier League victory of the season.
Second half goals from Omar Marmoush and Ben Davies secured a 3-1 win, after Jack Rudoni had cancelled out Maddison’s opener.
The result lifted Tottenham out of the Premier League’s bottom three – above Coventry – and into 16th place.
