JAMIE Mackie made no apologies for his celebration after opening his Oxford United goalscoring account.
The 33-year-old netted just four minutes into the crunch basement clash with Plymouth Argyle, where the forward played between 2008 and 2010.
It began a terrific display from Mackie, who was on the receiving end of some attention from the travelling supporters.
While Curtis Nelson, another former Pilgrim, kept his celebration muted after sealing the 2-0 victory, Mackie made it clear his reaction was pure relief.
He said: “I’m not a robot, I’m a passionate guy. I scored and I’ve been dying for a goal.
“I’m playing for Oxford and we’re bottom, so I’m going to celebrate.
“I have the utmost respect for Plymouth as a football club and their fans, I loved my time there, but I’m certainly not going to apologise for scoring.
“I find it crazy in football that it comes across as disrespectful.”
Nelson’s goal was laid on by Mackie, who could easily have taken on the shot himself.
He said: “It’s not about who scores. The manager obviously wants the strikers to score and you’re paid to score goals, but I’m not really bothered – if he’s in a better position I’ll always pass.
“I just want us to win the game.”
The victory was United’s first in nine games and eased some of the pressure on the side – and head coach Karl Robinson in particular.
Mackie said: “It’s hurt me personally and I know it’s hurt all the boys and the manager.
“He’s a passionate guy and he believes in what he’s doing.
“The boys want to get results for him and the club, hopefully we can do that now.”
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