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Charlie Austin was left baffled by Bournemouth fans booing him after the striker rescued a point for Southampton on Sunday.
Austin scored his third goal in three games to cancel out Ryan Fraserās opener and secure Saints a 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium.
After slotting home Nathan Redmondās cross, Austin celebrated in front of the home supporters, who had been jeering him throughout the game.
Austin spent six weeks training with Bournemouth when he belonged to Poole Town back in 2009, but the move was blocked as the Cherries were then placed under a transfer embargo.
āTheir reaction was a bit odd, I am not too sure why. It was not my fault,ā said Austin, who joined Swindon instead and then Burnley.
'If anything, I was going to sign here and (manager) Eddie (Howe) and (assistant manager) Jason (Tindall) did everything they could to sign me and I would have signed.
'But, like Eddie said earlier in the week, he could not stand in my way and I am forever grateful to them for letting me go and giving me a chance.
āIt is not strange to score against them. It was a long time ago and I never actually signed for the club.ā
Redmondās assist also had added significance given he was left on the bench following his feisty exchange with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola last week.
Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino said Redmond was being rested but the winger came off the bench at half-time to inspire the visitorsā fightback.
āIt was a strange one,ā Austin said of Redmondās face-off with Guardiola.
āBut he is a good pro. He came on at half-time, got his head down and changed the game in our favour.ā
Both sides could have claimed victory in the second period but Bournemouth felt particularly aggrieved after Adam Smith was denied an early penalty.
Smith seemed to exaggerate his fall over Sofiane Boufalās reckless challenge and was booked for diving by referee Jon Moss, who apologised to the full-back after the match.
The yellow card was Smithās fifth of the season and means he will now serve a one-match ban.
āI knew the tackle was coming. I had to ride the challenge. Iām not just going to stand there and let him go through my legs,ā Smith said.
'Obviously the referee admitted it after, and apologised. Thatās never happened before in my career.
āSky Sports showed it to me on the TV. I honestly donāt know how he hasnāt given it. I think someone said the referee didnāt have a great view so obviously heās guessed, but the linesman is right there so I donāt know what heās doing.ā
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