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.
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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.”
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.
“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.”
