Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez has defended midfielder Ross Barkley over his early celebration against Bournemouth.
With the Blues 5-3 up in the dying stages on Saturday’s game, Barkley rounded goalkeeper Artur Boruc and closed in on the empty goal.
What followed was a moment of mild controversy as the midfielder decided to celebrate before he had put the ball into the back of the net.
While the early celebration was warmly received by the watching Goodison Park faithful, the reaction from the footballing world was decidedly split, with some fans believing he had disrespected Eddie Howe’s team.
Martinez, though, has rubbished that suggestion, insisting the midfielder would have meant no harm with his actions.
“It shows you what Ross is. He doesn’t do it in a disrespectful manner, he’s not trying to take the mickey out of the opponent,” he told Goals on Sunday.
“It’s just pure joy. You would see Ross playing in the back yard and that’s what he would do with his mates.
“He’s effective on the pitch when he’s having fun. The quality he has, the physicality with the technical ability, makes him quite unique.
“Of course you always want the perfect footballer to defend well and react well when you lose the ball, but when he has a smile on his face there is a very special talent.”