Booing Your Own Players

[Dayman]

...and/or cheering a players substitution. Is it ever acceptable?

Bit of back story. There's a lad plays for us, Tom Flanagan, 24 years old, never really been a supporters favourite because of the deadly combination of taking a players spot who the supporters loved due to injury/Cloughie bust up and, after a very decent run which seems to have been forgotten about, turned in a few dodgy performances. He was dropped, we got promotion, the rest is history.

Fast forward to pre season. Clough decides we're playing 3-5-2 and plays Flanagan at right wing back, dropping another supporters favourite (and giving him his squad number) in the process. As it happens Tom has a really good pre season, had a solid game at Forest and had a steady first half yesterday. Second half he was shite to be fair and got subbed...but was getting booed by elements of our support and his substitution was cheered. He's also been absolutely crucified on social media through pre season and ever since the final whistle yesterday.

So...back to the original question. Is it acceptable to boo players, cheer their substitution and generally give them shit? Do you subscribe to "I pay my money so I'll shout what I want" which apparently so many of our lot do? Personally I was fucking fuming at what happened yesterday and it almost ruined a great day for the club (apart from the result).

Sorry for the essay but I wanted to flesh it out a bit.

 

[big mean bunny]

In that instance I would say it doesn't seem fair. Wolves seem to get this a lot, people deciding they hate a certain player. I had a bout of strong words at Bradford the other season with the lad next to me who was constantly on David Davis back throughout the game.

 

[Costello]

Unless your club is in absolute dire straits and you're attempting to drive out a manager/owners who are clearly out of their depth, no. And even then I've always maintained there's fewer more cringeworthy sights than a fully grown man deciding to express their genuine anger at something with a "boooooooo". It's what six year olds do.. at the pantomime.

Never agree with getting on the backs of players just because they're a bit shit though, especially younger players learning their trade. It helps no-one.

 

[Ciderhead]

I can understand when the player in question is a complete tosspot and just clearly doesn't give a shit (imagine Villa last season had a few worthy targets, say) but when it's just someone who's not playing well or maybe the fans feel isn't as good as his alternative it's utterly moronic. Like, it can only possibly have a negative impact. If he's playing badly it's likely down to a lack of confidence, which is only going to be damaged further by getting on his back, or he's plain not good enough, which can't be helped. If it's lack of effort or a bad attitude then it's slightly different as I said but a lot of fans tend to be idiots who think the only reason for anyone misplacing a pass is because they don't care or aren't giving enough for the shirt.

Our own fans are guilty of it as well, as are pretty much everyone's I guess, we've all got our collection of idiots. And I can't pretend I've never done it myself either, sometimes you get caught up in the heat of the moment and the red mist descends. Remember absolutely losing it at Liam Fontaine when we played Coventry up at Sixfields. 3-0 down at HT, we pulled it back to 3-3 then he drops an absolute clanger right from the kick off to gift them the win.

He's a good example of the effect it can have actually. It wasn't that he didn't care, and he was a very decent defender for us for several years in the Championship (subject of a 7 figure bid from Southampton at one stage) but he had a few poor games, made a couple of howlers, the fans got on his back and it all completely spiralled (not helped by the appaling mis-management of McInnes who continually started him every game when he needed taking out of the firing line for a bit). His confidence was ruined and he was never the same player.

 

[Magic]

Happens here all the time. We're in very bad times because the players will be nervous playing in front of our fans and we're shite to begin with.

Need to turn it around fast or we've a one way ticket to L1.

 

[rudebwoyben]

There's always a certain player at a club who can never do anything right in the eyes of a few supporters, no matter how well they actually play. Sounds like poor Tom has become one of them.
I'd never boo an individual player. Even if it's someone I'm not thrilled about (hello Shaun Batt!), I'd still encourage them as much as possible.
Tom did give away a penalty while playing for us in the final ever match at Underhill, but thankfully it was saved!

 

[MJA]

There has always been a scapegoat at Vale and bizarrely it's generally a player who is amongst our better players. Always funny to read how happy some fans are when these players leave only to then change their mind a month down the line when they realise just what they offered to the team

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[Jockney]

The sarcastic cheer is obnoxious and a sure-fire way to destroy a player's confidence. Shouldn't be done to your own player under any circumstance.

 

[Madejski]

We're great groaners, but it would take a lot for someone to get booed. I think the last few proper times I have heard booing after our games were the final games for Rodgers,Adkins and McDermott (first time), so it wasn't just the fans thinking this.

Players again don't really get the boo treatment. The last player I can remember who was properly booed was Matt Mills. But when as captain you stick your middle finger up aggressively towards your own fans, there's no way back..

 

[Magic]

Away teams love coming to elland road now. Poor side but also:

Keeper getting sarcastic applause for catching a ball.

18 year old midfielder making his third career start booed for misplacing a pass.

Substituting our main striker and getting a huge cheer for it.

It really is shit and I'm as sick of it as anyone but it all contributes to the poisonous atmosphere around the club and further cements our position in a rut.

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[City169]

In the case you described it sounds like he's unfairly targeted. I don't get the booing your own players thing, though find it a bit more understandable when it's someone who doesn't give a toss and is taking the piss.

At City there is always a scapegoat, and Marlon Pack was targeted a few times last season- and has been ever since he signed, along with Kodjia a bye few and Mark Little

 

[Liam_SWFC]

I would never boo a player for the reason you've given, they should get your full support and I've never understood why some fans are never willing to give a player a chance. Personally I would never boo one of our own players anyway as it's not helpful in the slightest and actually quite embarrassing, the last time I remember it happening at Hillsborough was to Darren Purse. Which I thought was bang out of order as despite not being very good he always gave his all and was a good bloke. If and it's a big if Forestieri ever plays for us again I expect he will be booed by the mongs.

 

[markwwfc1992]

I've only once booed a player, Roger Johnson at Wigan away we were relegated.

Think Jamie O'Hara got some shit that game too.

Usually I'm against it unless it's extreme circumstances like the above.

 

[AnkleBiter]

Despite having a number of impressive away wins under Wagner we still sing "How shit must you be, we're winning away". I fucking loathe it.

 

[rudebwoyben]

I've only once booed a player, Roger Johnson at Wigan away we were relegated.

Think Jamie O'Hara got some shit that game too.

Usually I'm against it unless it's extreme circumstances like the above.

To be fair, those were extreme cases!

 

[Redcityman]

Unfortunately it's the nature of some fans, players go from hero one minute to useless waste of skin the next.

Booing your own player is not going to suddenly improve a players confidence, desire or ability, it achieves absolutley nothing, some people will never understand that.

 

[big mean bunny]

I've only once booed a player, Roger Johnson at Wigan away we were relegated.

Think Jamie O'Hara got some shit that game too.

Usually I'm against it unless it's extreme circumstances like the above.

I went to Hillsborough the other year purely to shout abuse at Saunders. Useless fucking c*** is what I think I went with.

 

[Luke_1884]

We boo all the time, always have done since I've been going tbf.

Decent numbers, shite support.

 

[Dayman]

Cheers lads. You've reaffirmed my faith in football supporters in general. Unfortunately what Ciderhead said about Liam Fontaine is exactly what I can see happening with Flanagan. I saw him leaving the ground after the game and he looked distraught. I just hope Cloughie doesn't continue to pick him purely to spite that reaction and prove his own point. That's fine if the player is experienced and mentally tough enough to come out the other end but I don't think he his.

I personally think he's a solid player but unfortunately I think his number is up here. It'll be a shame if our dickheads force him out.

 

[City169]

Cheers lads. You've reaffirmed my faith in football supporters in general. Unfortunately what Ciderhead said about Liam Fontaine is exactly what I can see happening with Flanagan. I saw him leaving the ground after the game and he looked distraught. I just hope Cloughie doesn't continue to pick him purely to spite that reaction and prove his own point. That's fine if the player is experienced and mentally tough enough to come out the other end but I don't think he his.

I personally think he's a solid player but unfortunately I think his number is up here. It'll be a shame if our dickheads force him out.

With Fontaine things got really bad, there were stories of him getting abuse while at a coffee shop and out with his family, really hope it doesn't get anywhere near that

 

[Max]

I can understand when the player in question is a complete tosspot and just clearly doesn't give a shit (imagine Villa last season had a few worthy targets, say) but when it's just someone who's not playing well or maybe the fans feel isn't as good as his alternative it's utterly moronic. Like, it can only possibly have a negative impact. If he's playing badly it's likely down to a lack of confidence, which is only going to be damaged further by getting on his back, or he's plain not good enough, which can't be helped. If it's lack of effort or a bad attitude then it's slightly different as I said but a lot of fans tend to be idiots who think the only reason for anyone misplacing a pass is because they don't care or aren't giving enough for the shirt.

Thing about the Villa situation last season though, is that although they had good reasons to boo a lot of their players, it created an even worse atmosphere at the club generally, added to the idea of the club spiralling into decline, and I do remember there was a whole argument of: Is it a good idea to put youth players into this lions' den?

So even in this case, I think it works against your own interests as a fan.

 

[Bartonyellow]

Cheers lads. You've reaffirmed my faith in football supporters in general. Unfortunately what Ciderhead said about Liam Fontaine is exactly what I can see happening with Flanagan. I saw him leaving the ground after the game and he looked distraught. I just hope Cloughie doesn't continue to pick him purely to spite that reaction and prove his own point. That's fine if the player is experienced and mentally tough enough to come out the other end but I don't think he his.

I personally think he's a solid player but unfortunately I think his number is up here. It'll be a shame if our dickheads force him out.

Expect to hear more booing at the Pirelli this season. We have had 4 seasons of top six football and losing few games. That mentality slips in, and despite the opposition and the mammoth task this season, people soon forget and boo.

 

[Ciderhead]

That's the thing for Burton. Amazing achievement just to be here but it's easy to say that and that you'll enjoy the experience whatever happens. In reality though, if you end up losing every week it's not much fun, whoever you're playing.

 

[big mean bunny]

You need to tell those fucks to get a grip. Sure spoke to someone before on this site about this but convinced I saw you play Corby Town in the Beazer Holmes league. It's an incredible journey. Remember meeting a guy who was prominent for your youth setup and just being utterly enthrawed by him, followed him on twitter but can't remember his name now.

New breed of fans that don't appreciate your rise I'd imagine.

 

[WTTJ]

Never booed City. I'm that guy who claps the lads off after a 6-0 drubbing. If I wanted to win I'd follow United or Chelsea, but I love BCFC and just because we're losing or the performance was bad won't make me boo. We have football CLUBS. We are SUPPORTERS. People who boo get on my tits.

#SuperFan

 

[JJH]

FTR, I've booed in the past, but generally if we're that shit to need booing off I'd have left way before full-time anyway.

 

[TomPNE94]

I never boo either. Not because I don't think it's right, just sounds ridiculous.

 

[hodge]

I won't boo an individual, generally they all give 100% and a bad performance isn't for a lack of trying. It's also very rare that I'll boo a team performance, I think I've done it on 2 occasions from memory, both last season in fact. MK at home when we sat back after having scored in like the 6th minute at home only to concede in the last minute of extra time and the other occasion being Preston at home when things had just got to breaking point for me in thinking that Cotts needed to go.

The example (other than Fontaine) that stuck out for me is also Lee Johnson as a player with us, got a huge amount of grief for playing games, fans claiming he only started with Gary managing. By no means a bad player, a very average championship player who had limitations and stuck to what he could do well.

 

[BetterCallSaul]

Cheers lads. You've reaffirmed my faith in football supporters in general. Unfortunately what Ciderhead said about Liam Fontaine is exactly what I can see happening with Flanagan. I saw him leaving the ground after the game and he looked distraught. I just hope Cloughie doesn't continue to pick him purely to spite that reaction and prove his own point. That's fine if the player is experienced and mentally tough enough to come out the other end but I don't think he his.

I personally think he's a solid player but unfortunately I think his number is up here. It'll be a shame if our dickheads force him out.

Flanagan got forced out of our club too, and he came through our academy!

He had a few shite games and fans turned on him. Tbf, he did give away 2 penalties and get a red card inside 10 minutes away at Gillingham, he never came back from that.

 

[Dayman]

Flanagan got forced out of our club too, and he came through our academy!

He had a few shite games and fans turned on him. Tbf, he did give away 2 penalties and get a red card inside 10 minutes away at Gillingham, he never came back from that.

Ah right. History definitely repeating itself then.

To be fair to the lad he came on as sub on Tuesday night and played a part in the third goal. Not entirely sure he's got much of a future here now beyond being a squad player. As I said I like him but we really can't afford things like this hanging over us this season.