Kieran Tierney has explained why he was snapped giving the middle finger as a picture of Arsenal players celebrating their win over Manchester City was posted on social media.
Tierney - who has not lost a domestic cup game he has started since 2016 - gave a composed performance as the Gunners beat City 2-0 to reach next month's FA Cup final thanks to two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
A picture of Arsenal players celebrating in the dressing room was later posted to Twitter - with Scotland international Tierney giving the camera the bird.
He then took to Twitter himself to apologise - and a heartwarming gesture from the 23-year-old soon won over anyone who might have been offended.
That's because he pledged to give his shirt from the night to a cancer patient who had been watching from hospital, after the fan replied to Tierney's tweet suggesting the middle finger could have been for his cancer.
After the picture of Arsenal's dressing room celebration was shared on social media, Tierney tweeted: "Didn’t realise this was getting posted.
"Was a joke with the Kitman. I’m so sorry if it caused anyone offence - wasn’t meant in any way."
Fan Andreas Eikaasen then got in touch, saying, "Let’s just say it was meant for my cancer, mate! Brilliant game today, made my night at the hospital", along with two laughing emojis.
Tierney then replied back, saying, "That’s exactly what it stood for my man! U legend... get in touch I will send u my shirt from tonight. Keep fighting" with a heart emoji.
The former Celtic defender's followers were wowed by the gesture, with one saying: "Pure class. Captain material."
Another posted: " @kierantierney1 is working his ways becoming a Legend at Arsenal again after he attained that status in Celtic. We love you."
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal will play either Manchester United or Chelsea in next month's FA Cup final, with the other last-four clash taking place at Wembley on Sunday evening.
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