Andros Townsend explains why he didn’t celebrate goal against Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur suffered a second cup exit in the space of four days when Crystal Palace knocked them out of the FA Cup.

When Kyle Walker-Peters foolishly gave away a penalty after handling the ball in his own area on 34 minutes, Andros Townsend stepped up to slot home from twelve yards.

After the ball hit the back of the net, the England international raised his hands as if to apologise to his former side and refused to celebrate his goal.

Townsend played 92 games in all competitions for Spurs after coming through the youth ranks and spent 16 years of his life at the club.

It was a classy gesture from Townsend, considering his acrimonious exit from White Hart Lane.

In 2015, Townsend was left out of Spurs’ Europa League tie with Anderlecht after clashing with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner.

He was an unused substitute in a win over Aston Villa and was pictured pushing and arguing with Gardiner on the pitch after the game.

He joined Newcastle just two months later.

Speaking to BT Sport after the match at Selhurst Park, Townsend said (as quoted by the BBC): “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Spurs. It would have been disrespectful to celebrate.

“I took a few penalties for Spurs so I knew they’d be telling the keeper to go the other side so I was pleased with that one.”

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