Millwall winger Romain Esse has issued a public apology to the club's supporters for a goal celebration he performed while on loan at Coventry City last season. The 21-year-old, now back at The Den on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace, spoke about the incident and his desire to return to form.
Esse joined Crystal Palace in a £14.5 million deal in January 2025 and scored on his Premier League debut against Brentford. He made seventeen appearances for the Eagles, with only one Premier League start and another in the Conference League. The second half of last season saw him loaned to Coventry City, where he scored two goals in eight Championship starts. One of those came in a 2-1 win against Millwall, a match where he celebrated in front of the away supporters.
Why did Romain Esse apologise?
Romain Esse directly addressed the celebration that upset Millwall fans during his time with Coventry. "First of all, I’d like to say I’m really sorry for the celebrations!" Esse told Southwark News. He explained that wearing his heart on his sleeve is part of his game, something he wants to show while wearing the Millwall shirt. The apology marks a clear effort to rebuild his relationship with the fanbase as he begins this new chapter.
His spell at Coventry City provided valuable experience, but his return to Millwall represents a fresh start. Esse mentioned experienced players like Lenny (Ryan Leonard) and Coops (Jake Cooper) from his previous time at the club. He also expressed excitement about meeting new and younger players in the squad for the coming campaign.
What is Esse's current focus?
The young winger's immediate goal is to rediscover the joy in his football. "I want to come here and play my football again, get back smiling, playing every week and exciting the fans," he said. Reflecting on his time at Crystal Palace, Esse noted the first part of the season included good moments that helped him develop as both a person and a player. He believes going through both tough and good times has shaped him for this opportunity back at Millwall.
While Esse looks to make an impact in the Championship, his parent club's rivals, Coventry City, are navigating a difficult start to their Premier League season. As of 03 September 2026, Coventry City sit 17th in the table with 0 points from two games, having lost both. They have scored 0 goals and conceded 4, leaving them with a -4 goal difference and six points behind leaders Manchester City. Key players Haji Wright, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, and Luke Woolfenden are currently sidelined, which complicates their squad depth. You can track their recovery progress on our injuries page.
How does this affect Coventry City?
Esse's story is a footnote in Coventry City's recent history, but it highlights the interconnected nature of the football pyramid. The club's current challenges are far more pressing. Their next fixture is a daunting away trip to face Manchester City, who are top of the table, on 05 September 2026. This match is a crucial early test for Coventry as they seek their first points of the campaign. Fans can follow the team's league position on our standings page throughout the season.
The broader context sees Coventry City needing to quickly address their form to avoid being cut adrift. With a difficult run of fixtures ahead, every point will be vital. The club's schedule, including the upcoming Manchester City clash, is available on our fixtures list. Romain Esse, meanwhile, will be aiming to prove his worth in the Championship, hoping his apology is accepted and his performances win over the Millwall faithful once more.
