Everton have defended Tim Cahill after his controversial goal celebration in their 3-1 win over Portsmouth.

Cahill scored the Toffees’ second goal and dedicated it to his brother Sean, who was jailed for six years in January for grievous bodily harm with intent.

The Australian midfielder crossed his wrists as if he had been handcuffed.

But Everton spokesman Ian Ross said that although some people would not “be in favour” of the celebration, it was ultimately a personal decision.

“Goal celebrations are a personal matter and up to the player to decide,” said Ross.

“No-one dictates what the player can do as long as he stays within the laws of the game and as long as it doesn’t result in a caution.

“He is a very articulate young man and will have weighed up the pros and cons and decided to do it because it was a personal and emotional matter.

“I am sure Tim was fully aware that some people would not be in favour of what he did before he did it.”

The FA refused to comment on the incident but did say that decisions regarding celebrations rest with the match officials, unless it is deemed that an abusive gesture has been made.

The attack on 11 July 2004 in Bromley, Kent left the victim partially blinded after CCTV controllers spotted Cahill’s older brother kicking his victim in the head twice as he lay on the floor.

Police found the victim semi-conscious and bleeding heavily and speaking in January, Detective Constable Will Hope described the attack as “brutal and terrifying”.

Meanwhile, Cahill has struggled for form since the turn of the year and his goal against Portsmouth was his first since the end of December and has admitted that it has been an emotional time for him and his family.

Former Everton striker Graeme Sharp told BBC Radio 5 Live that he understood the motives behind the celebration.

“Knowing Tim as I do I can understand that he feels very strongly about his family and he’s obviously very disappointed with how things have gone.

“Tim’s been through a hard time with the circumstances surrounding his brother and it’s just a way of showing his support for him.”