Brighton star Yankuba Minteh has explained the unusual celebration he performed after scoring against Newcastle United on Sunday, which left many Brighton fans puzzled.
The 20-year-old forward’s gesture, which involved wagging his fingers at the crowd, pointing to the Amex turf, and tapping the Brighton badge, raised eyebrows and sparked confusion.
However, Minteh later clarified that the celebration was directed at his former club, Newcastle United.
The Gambia international was originally signed by Newcastle as part of a youth recruitment strategy under former sporting director Dan Ashworth.
However, he was eventually sold to Brighton, alongside now Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, as the Magpies balanced their finances and eased concerns related to the club’s financial strategy.
Despite his departure, Minteh’s celebration was intended as a nod to his past, but with his focus now fully on Brighton.
“It’s a nice celebration because they were my former team before but now I’m in Brighton and that’s where my focus is. So I try to celebrate for them and make them happy,” Minteh explained after the game.
Further reflecting on his goal, Minteh added, “I was happy with the goal because this is what I dream of every time.
“If I don’t score in a game, I try to make a pass. It’s an amazing feeling. Everybody wants to prove the team which sells them, and I try to do that every time I play against them. I am happy about it.”
Newcastle made a £26 million profit on Minteh despite him never playing a competitive minute for them.
Since joining Brighton, however, he has made a significant impact, scoring against his former side twice.
