Kwadwo Baah: See why the Watford forward was sent off for his controversial Fortnite celebration
In a dramatic end to a crucial Championship match, Watford's young striker Kwadwo Baah was shown a straight red card for taunting Portsmouth fans with a dance from the popular video game Fortnite.
The incident occurred after Watford secured a last-gasp victory over Portsmouth with a 95th-minute goal by Rocco Vata.
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The match, which was pivotal for Watford in their fight for a playoff spot, ended with an emotional display from Baah. After the final whistle, the 21-year-old German youth international, who was born in Germany to Ghanaian parents, celebrated by performing the "take the L" dance, where he placed his hand in an L shape on his forehead and hopped back-and-forth on his feet.
This celebration did not sit well with the opposition, as it provoked several Portsmouth players to chase Baah around the pitch, leading to his dismissal by the referee.
The red card means Baah will miss Watford's next game against Cardiff City. Watford's manager Tom Cleverley commented on the incident, stating, "He deserved the red card because we’re told as players and coaches that you can’t goad the supporters because of the hostile environment that will cause."
Portsmouth's manager, John Mousinho, was more severe in his criticism, suggesting that such behavior would result in a player never playing for him again. His comments drew a sharp rebuke from Cleverley, who defended his player while criticizing Mousinho's focus, "I think that John should maybe look at his own behavior, and I will deal with Baah internally. I’m disappointed in John’s comments as I thought his own behavior was what ultimately cost his team in the second half."
Baah's background adds an interesting layer to this tale. Born in Germany in 2003, he moved to Ghana at just 11 months old before relocating to England at six. Even then, his talent was evident, catching the eye of professional clubs. His moment in the spotlight came earlier when, as a 13-year-old ballboy at Selhurst Park, he made headlines by taking initiative during a match against West Ham, much to the delight of the crowd but the chagrin of officials.
This latest incident with Baah has certainly stirred the pot in the Championship, highlighting the fine line between celebration and provocation in football's high-tension environments.
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Watch the controversial celebration below;
@cbssportsgolazo Watford’s Kwadwo Baah really hit the ‘Take the L’ Fortnite dance and got sent off 💀#efl #watford #championship #soccer #football ♬ original sound - CBS Sports Golazo