Martin O'Neill tells jeering Aston Villa fans: Lay off Gabby Agbonlahor
Mar 16 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
MARTIN O’Neill has slammed Villa fans for cheering ironically when Gabby Agbonlahor was taken off in yesterday’s damaging defeat to Tottenham.
The Villa manager was infuriated by the reception Agbonlahor received from supporters when he was replaced by Nathan Delfouneso on 79 minutes. O’Neill said the abuse aimed at Agbonlahor was “uncalled for” and accused fans of having “short memories” following the England striker’s fall from grace.
“I was very disappointed,” said O’Neill.
“Gabby Agbonlahor has been fantastic for this football club ever since I’ve known him, which is about two-and-a-half years. He’s going through a period where confidence is low.
“But I’ve got to tell you that that’s no way to treat him here for what he’s done, absolutely not.
“I can put up with many other things, but certainly that was uncalled for.
Read Bill Howell and Mat Kendrick's live blog from the Villa game
“They’ve short memories, people, at the end of the day.
“I’ve always said before, you can pay your money to do what you want, but that doesn’t help anybody.”
O’Neill believes Agbonlahor deserves better than sarcastic cheers after helping Villa into the Champions League reckoning with 10 Premier League goals.
