Andros Townsend: Crystal Palace star explains decision not to celebrate scoring vs Tottenham after social media criticism

Andros Townsend has responded to criticism directed at the Crystal Palace winger for refusing to celebrate the goal he scored in Sunday’s FA Cup defeat of Tottenham.

Townsend, the winger, netted Palace’s second in their 2-0 win, converting from the penalty spot after Kyle Walker-Peters handled in the area.

His lack of celebration after hitting the back of the net was noted on social media, and the 27-year-old was blasted for refusing to enjoy scoring against the Lilywhites.

One individual, @PaulLay10, called Townsend out on Twitter.

He wrote: “@andros_townsend career at @SpursOfficial – played 50 times in 7 years (last time 3 years ago). They loaned him out 9 times. He just scored against them for @CPFC. He Didn’t celebrate. Have a word with yourself.”

Townsend joined Spurs before the age of 10 and did not leave until until he was 24. He made his debut in 2011 and went on to represent his boyhood club 93 times in total before signing for Newcastle in 2015.

The winger defended his decision to not celebrate using the above facts, as he wished to show “respect to the club that made me”.

Townsend responded: “Try 93 games and being there for 16 years from the age of 8 till 24…. it’s called a bit of respect to the club that made me mate.”

Connor Wickham opened the scoring for Palace inside the first 10 minutes of Sunday’s clash, with Townsend doubling the lead from the spot 25 minutes later.

Kieran Trippier missed a penalty of his own before the end of the first half, with Tottenham going on to finish the match goalless to be dumped out the FA Cup in the fourth round.

Palace will discover their opponents for the fifth round when the draw takes place this evening.