Southampton drew 1-1 with Rotherham United over the weekend, and portions of the St Mary’s home crowd made sure the players know what they thought.
Flynn Downes described it as “absolutely mental” that Southampton’s players were booed off the pitch by portions of their home crowd following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Rotherham United at St Mary’s.
Saints crushed the Millers, who began the day 23rd in the Championship and without a win in their previous five games. Russell Martin’s team had 80% possession and 22 shots to the visitors’ four, but only came away with a point.
Stuart Armstrong had given Saints the perfect start, scoring within the opening two minutes, but Saints were unable to extend their lead no matter how hard they tried, owing in part to an outstanding performance by Rotherham goalie Viktor Johansson.
It was then up to Jordan Hugill to break the hearts of the home fans as he brilliantly lobbed Gavin Bazunu in the 74th minute, with Southampton unable to force home a winner despite numerous more efforts.
Sections of the St Mary’s fans booed the players as they walked off the field, something Downes stated startled him while acknowledging the disappointment of the loss.
“I know we should have won after that performance, but we shouldn’t be booed off the field again.” “That’s insane to me,” he told the Daily Echo.
“I understand that everyone wants to win, and we do as well, but our performance and the way we played – it was strange.” I understand; I’m a fan. When I used to go and my team didn’t win, you booed. But when you play like we do and dominate a game like that, sure, we conceded a goal we shouldn’t have. In the crowd, I observe fans doing all of this while booing.
“I won’t say too much because we need their help.” When we play at home, we play a style that no one else wants to play; all of the players require confidence.
We need the boost from the fans, so to get booed at the end is mental, absolutely mental.”
“We’re just on the pitch after the game, getting booed,” he added. Of course, you’re devastated, and we desperately wanted to win. However, there are occasions when you must enjoy the performance.
“If we played them again next week, we’d win 4-0 and everyone would be applauding.” It’s mental, but that’s all it is. I’m a football fan, so I understand, but the players also require support. We don’t want to be booed.”
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