Cahill apologises for celebration March 04 2008
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill has apologised "wholeheartedly" for any offence caused by his goal celebration against Portsmouth on Sunday.
Cahill had dedicated the goal to his violent convict brother by pretending his wrists were in handcuffs.
The Australian then ran to the corner flag and punched it several times - his trademark celebration.
It is the first time that he had publicly acknowledged older brother Sean's six-year sentence for blinding a man.
And on Tuesday the 28-year-old 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. "