Everton's Cahill apologises for 'handcuff' goal celebration

• More Premier League news club by club

The Australian midfielder crossed his wrists as though he had been handcuffed. He then ran to the corner flag and punched it several times - his trademark celebration.

The Everton midfielder later revealed he was dedicating the goal - Everton's second in a 3-1 win at Goodison Park - to his older brother Sean, who was jailed for six years in January for partially blinding a man.

He said afterwards: "Basically, it's for my older brother. Everyone knows my situation and I am just proud that he is happy and I am happy and I'm thinking of him always. My family means a lot to me and so does this football club. It's been a bit emotional but it's good."

Today the footballer said in a statement: "I am aware of the significant media coverage following my unusual goal celebration on Sunday against Portsmouth.

"It was a spontaneous and emotional reaction but was only intended to signify to my brother that I was thinking of him and missing him.

"It was not intended to cause any offence to any other party and I wholeheartedly apologise if any offence was caused."

Scroll down for more

Clear emotion: a tearful Cahill is congratulated by team-mate Steven Pienaar

An Everton spokesman yesterday defended Cahill from criticism that the celebration might be seen as inappropriate.

Saying that he knew some would not "be in favour" of the celebration, he said: "Goal celebrations are a personal matter and up to the player to decide - no one dictates what the player can do as long as he stays within the laws of the game, as long as it doesn't result in a caution.

"It clearly was a very personal thing for Tim Cahill."