Former Leicester City star James Maddison issues apology after controversial goal celebration

Ex- Leicester City star James Maddison says he will apologise to anyone who was offended by his celebration after scoring for Tottenham Hotspur against his boyhood club Coventry City.

Maddison put Spurs ahead on Monday night after starting his first competitive match for the London side in almost 18 months. He curled the ball over goalkeeper Carl Rushworth with an excellent finish as Roberto De Zerbi's men won 3-1.

The former Foxes man celebrated in several ways after scoring, which included him kissing the Tottenham crest on his shirt. Maddison has been heavily criticised for celebrating against Coventry, who he played for at the start of his career.

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However, the 29-year-old has explained why he was so jubilant after scoring his first goal since May 2025. Writing in a post on X, he said: "I had already planned my first goal back; I was kissing the badge of this club, who have supported my family and me through the darkest days of my career over the past 18 months.

"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 came through the Coventry academy and registered five goals and five assists before joining Norwich City. He joined Leicester in 2018 for around £20m and won the FA Cup in 2021.