Watford’s Championship clash against Portsmouth ended in dramatic fashion, with a late winner followed by a controversial post-match incident involving Kwadwo Baah.
A contentious encounter was decided in favour of the hosts, thanks to Rocco Vata’s dramatic winner in the 95th minute. Vata’s decisive goal followed Edo Kayembe’s equalizer for Tom Cleverley’s team, which came from a penalty. However, replays revealed that the contact between Baah and Pompey’s Freddie Potts occurred outside the penalty area.
However, the celebrations took a contentious turn after the final whistle.
Baah Sent Off
Baah, in a moment of exuberance, taunted the visiting Portsmouth fans and players by waving his hands at them. The gesture ignited tensions, prompting Pompey players to chase him across the pitch. Rather than defusing the situation, Baah escalated it by dancing in the penalty area while forming an ‘L’ shape on his forehead, a move aimed squarely at mocking the opposition.
The incident drew criticism from Watford manager Tom Cleverley, who acknowledged the provocation Baah had faced but expressed disappointment in his reaction.
“We have to admit, he deserves that one. We want to win with humility and dignity,” Cleverley stated. “People will try to goad you, and that’s what he was reacting to. You can’t react to that as a top professional footballer. Unfortunately, we’ll miss him for Sunday.”
The red card shown to Baah after the final whistle ensures he will miss Watford’s upcoming match, a significant blow given the team’s strong run at home. Cleverley took the opportunity to highlight the team’s resilience and strategy during the game, emphasising the importance of maintaining composure in critical moments.
“We’ve got a special thing going on here,” he remarked. “That’s 17 unbeaten here now. I didn’t think it would be as late as it was, but I was positive that we’d get the chances we needed to win the game.”
Writer’s View
Baah’s antics, while undoubtedly entertaining for some, underscore the importance of professionalism in football. Watford’s impressive home record and last-minute heroics are now somewhat overshadowed by unnecessary post-match theatrics. Cleverley’s emphasis on humility and discipline is well-placed; moments like these can quickly shift public and professional focus away from on-field achievements. Baah’s absence on Sunday will serve as a reminder of the fine line between celebration and provocation.
