Toffees defend Cahill actions
03 Mar 2008 - 12:31:28
Everton have defended Tim Cahill after his controversial goal celebration during Sunday's 3-1 victory over Portsmouth.
The Australia international dedicated the Toffees' second goal at Goodison Park to his brother, who was jailed for six years in January after being found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent.
However, despite courting controversy with his crossed wrist celebration to symbolise being handcuffed, Everton insist Cahill did nothing wrong.
"Goal celebrations are a personal matter and up to the player to decide," said a club spokesman.
"No-one dictates what the player can do as long as he stays within the laws of the game and as long as it doesn't result in a caution.
"He is a very articulate young man and will have weighed up the pros and cons and decided to do it because it was a personal and emotional matter.
"I am sure Tim was fully aware that some people would not be in favour of what he did before he did it."
