Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez has claimed that Ross Barkley meant no disrespect during his early goal celebration against Bournemouth on Saturday. Barkley caused controversy by celebrating before the ball went into the net during his team’s 6-3 victory over Bournemouth.
Martinez is someone who will know Barkley well, having managed him during his three year tenure as manager of Everton between 2013 and 2016 and he is of the opinion that the midfielder would not do something to disrespect fans of an opposition team.
Martinez said of Barkley’s celebration during his appearance on Sky news, Goals on Sunday, “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. It’s just pure joy. You would see Ross playing in the back yard and that’s what he would do with his mates.
Based on this, one is likely to believe Martinez. The likelihood is that Barkley did not mean to cause disrespect by celebrating the way he did. It was probably as a result of the happiness he experienced from scoring.
