ARSENAL fans have slammed Theo Walcott for celebrating his goal against the club but the winger has defended his actions.
The former England international opened the scoring in Southampton’s 1-1 draw at the Emirates before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rescued a point for the hosts.
The 31-year-old, who spent 12 years with the Gunners, expertly put his side in front after dinking Bernd Leno less than 20 minutes in.
But his decision to wheel away with his arms outstretched and celebrate with his Saints team-mates angered Arsenal fans watching at home.
One fan tweeted: “Walcott celebrating like that has lost so much respect in my eyes.”
Another said: “Wait but why did Walcott celebrate like that? Very disrespectful.”
A third added: “The level of disrespect from Walcott celebrating is disgusting.”
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However, Walcott himself, who accused his former team of having a ‘lot of fear’, defended his decision to celebrate.
The winger told Amazon Prime Video: “Scoring a goal, no matter who you play for, is one of the best feelings.
“I have scored many goals here [at Arsenal] but I am in a Southampton shirt right now and playing for Southampton is a massive thing for me personally. Why not? Why wouldn’t I celebrate.
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“I am enjoying my football. It was very strange coming to the Emirates tonight with no-one here, it is very strange feeling.
“But I am enjoying my football at Southampton. I feel like a kid again. I feel like I am performing at a level where I want to be and hopefully I can continue this in the long-run.
“It feels like we have lost two points but we would have taken that at the start of the game.”