Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill has criticised his team’s fans for their behaviour towards striker Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Villa were beaten 2 – 1 at home by Spurs on Sunday and on being substituted, Agbonlahor was booed from the pitch.
Despite scoring 11 goals for the club this season, the England player has only been on target twice in the last 3 months.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, O’Neill said:
We will have a chat about everything on Monday. It is not the best time to talk to anyone after you have been beaten but I am quite sure Gabby will be disappointed.
He is a local lad who has come through the ranks. He might give the impression from a distance that he has a bit of a swagger, that he doesn’t care, but that is so far from the truth.
He was lacking in confidence towards the end of the game but that was the only reason I took him off and the reaction of the fans was more than disappointing.
Gabby has been fantastic for this football club. Ever since I have known him, two and a half years ago, he has been brilliant.
I have got to tell you that is no way to treat him after what he has done here. I can put up with many other things but that was uncalled for and people have short memories.
I’ve always said if you pay your money you can do what you want but that sort of thing doesn’t help anybody.
Agbonglahor is a class player. True, of late hasn’t been his brightest days but it wasn’t long ago he was put up their with some of the up and coming stars of the premiership. Any fan that boos for their own team should be ashamed of themselves.. Give him time and he’ll prove that he’s an elite player..