Tweet
Taken from his blog...
"Having been in the same position as Barton before I know how hard it can be to perform under such circumstances. I read his tweets yesterday evening saying that he had gone through worse things in his life and I don't disagree. The fact is that it is incredibly difficult to lift your performance when your very own fans are turning on you. And yes it is a minority of the supporters but it's impossible to ignore. I always remember that it was the time when I wasn't playing well I could hear individuals, 'you're rubbish Langley', You're coming off!' I remember one game I played, I was so nervous to get on the ball that when I did I literally fell over my own feet, it led to the other team counter attacking and scoring. Consequently I was subbed and booed and cheered off. Maybe I was misread as an individual, as someone that doesn't care enough. I went home that night and had tears in my eyes after the treatment I had, I was gutted. After all I went out with every intention giving my best. The reaction of Joey Barton after Mackie scored was that of a guy who genuinely cared. There are guys that would have been happy to see his team lose after being dragged off. He was up on the back of the players celebrating like we all were. Although many people may think he has too much to say or he is on too much money or has under performed the bottom line is that he is one of our players and he needs to get the respect and correct treatment when he is playing. He is only doing his job, Mark Hughes is the one that is selecting him.
Now in my opinion the fans have made their point. But please realise that we have nine games to go. People started booing yesterday thinking we had already lost. The support shown for the team after Barton was replaced needs to be replicated throughout all the upcoming games, regardless of personnel. Barton is up against the opposition, their fans and now he's up against his own fans too. It's not right. No matter how the individual fans feel about Barton, doing that to your own player is only detrimental to the team. Last night was fantastic for the club, the players and the fans. I hope the odd few realise that if we all are pulling in the same direction the tough task ahead of staying up becomes a lot easier. "
Link......
"Having been in the same position as Barton before I know how hard it can be to perform under such circumstances. I read his tweets yesterday evening saying that he had gone through worse things in his life and I don't disagree. The fact is that it is incredibly difficult to lift your performance when your very own fans are turning on you. And yes it is a minority of the supporters but it's impossible to ignore. I always remember that it was the time when I wasn't playing well I could hear individuals, 'you're rubbish Langley', You're coming off!' I remember one game I played, I was so nervous to get on the ball that when I did I literally fell over my own feet, it led to the other team counter attacking and scoring. Consequently I was subbed and booed and cheered off. Maybe I was misread as an individual, as someone that doesn't care enough. I went home that night and had tears in my eyes after the treatment I had, I was gutted. After all I went out with every intention giving my best. The reaction of Joey Barton after Mackie scored was that of a guy who genuinely cared. There are guys that would have been happy to see his team lose after being dragged off. He was up on the back of the players celebrating like we all were. Although many people may think he has too much to say or he is on too much money or has under performed the bottom line is that he is one of our players and he needs to get the respect and correct treatment when he is playing. He is only doing his job, Mark Hughes is the one that is selecting him.
Now in my opinion the fans have made their point. But please realise that we have nine games to go. People started booing yesterday thinking we had already lost. The support shown for the team after Barton was replaced needs to be replicated throughout all the upcoming games, regardless of personnel. Barton is up against the opposition, their fans and now he's up against his own fans too. It's not right. No matter how the individual fans feel about Barton, doing that to your own player is only detrimental to the team. Last night was fantastic for the club, the players and the fans. I hope the odd few realise that if we all are pulling in the same direction the tough task ahead of staying up becomes a lot easier. "
Link......
Comment