Yankuba Minteh breaks silence over confusing Newcastle celebration after angering Brighton

Yankuba Minteh found himself at the center of attention once again after scoring against former club Newcastle United, though his mixed-message celebration left fans and players alike scratching their heads.

The 20-year-old winger, who now plies his trade with Brighton, netted his second goal against the Magpies this season, but it was his reaction that dominated post-match discussions.

Opening the scoring in the 28th minute at the Amex Stadium, Minteh immediately clasped his hands together in what appeared to be an apology to the traveling Newcastle supporters—a repeat of his gesture during the reverse fixture at St James’ Park.

However, the moment quickly took a different tone as he wagged his finger at the crowd, pointed emphatically to the ground, and repeatedly tapped the Brighton badge.

The mixed signals drew visible frustration from teammates, with Danny Welbeck and others attempting to usher him away from the confrontation.

When questioned about his celebration post-match, Minteh offered an explanation that did little to clarify the ambiguity. “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,” he said.

“So I try to celebrate for them and make them happy.” The comment only deepened the mystery was it a genuine show of respect, a defiant statement, or something in between?

Minteh’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Signed by Newcastle from Danish club Odense in 2023, he was immediately loaned to Feyenoord, where he flourished under now-Liverpool manager Arne Slot, helping the Dutch side clinch the Eredivisie title.

Yet, despite his promise, Newcastle’s financial constraints—specifically Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) concerns forced them to sell him before he could make a single competitive appearance for the club.

Brighton swooped in, securing a player who has since proven to be a thorn in Newcastle’s side, scoring in both league meetings this season.

Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, acknowledged the irony of the situation post-match. “The second time he’s done it to us this season,” he remarked.

“To a degree, you always know that’s a potential worry when you go into the game, just because of his qualities. We knew all about his left foot—we worked on it. Sometimes you can prepare and still get hurt by it.”

The celebration, whether intended as respectful or provocative, underscores the complex emotions players face when facing former clubs.

For Minteh, it was a chance to prove his worth to a team that never gave him an opportunity, while for Newcastle, it was a reminder of the talent they had to sacrifice for financial stability.

As the final whistle blew on a 1-1 draw, the lingering question wasn’t just about the result but about the young winger’s message.

Was it gratitude, defiance, or simply the raw emotion of a player caught between past and present? Whatever the answer, one thing is clear: Yankuba Minteh has ensured he won’t be forgotten anytime soon—by Newcastle or anyone else.