Melbourne City goalscorer Tim Cahill has brushed off the hostile reception he received on returning to his hometown in Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers.
Cahill, who opened the scoring for City in the 55th minute, copped boos from the Spotless Stadium crowd throughout the match but was philosophical about the icy welcome.
“At half-time when I was getting the stick I walked in to the boys and I said ‘I’ve got to score’,” Cahill told Fox Sports.
“I’m never going to get the best reception. We all know it.
“The fans have got to boo me. I’m a western Sydney boy whether people like it or not, and I respect them.
“I don’t really take emotions on to the pitch, I just play because that’s my job.”
King of the kids @Tim_Cahill signs autographs after 1-1 draw @MelbourneCity & @wswanderersfc #football #wswvmcfc @ALeague @abcgrandstand pic.twitter.com/z3h778O6F3
— Shannon Byrne (@shannonbyrne23) November 18, 2016
At the half-time whistle Cahill had a set-to with Wanderers' Bruno Pinatares.
City were forced to settle for their first draw of the season when Neil Kilkenny’s own goal earned Wanderers a point in stoppage time, a result Cahill conceded was deserved.
Wanderers snatch a late equaliser
“The reality is we scored against the run of play,” the 36-year-old said.
“Then we kept the ball for 20 minutes – fantastic – then we switched off.
“It was a disappointing to concede the goal when we did (but) one point was fair for both teams.”
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