Booing reverberated around the stadiums of England’s Premier League clubs this weekend, as the true 'supporters' of English football expressed their considered and intelligent response to Wednesday’s debacle.

The IQ of these people is bare;y higher than the number of career goals Momo Sissoko will retire with; pick a number between one and nine. As karma swept the nation, however, these fickle fans got what they deserved.

Newcastle supporters decided to turn on Steven Gerrard, a player who no-one can accuse of lacking effort. How ironic it was that, after Gerrard’s thunderous free-kick hit the net, their derision descended on their own players and manager Sam Allardyce, whom many had wanted as the England manager before Steve McClaren’s appointment. Newcastle lost by three.

'How ironic it was that, after Gerrard’s thunderous free-kick hit the back of the net, the Newcastle fans' derision descended on their own players and manager'


The Middlesbrough fans' target was Scott Carson, the promising but inexperienced England keeper whose blunder led to Croatia’s opening goal on Wednesday. This is a player who will be the national keeper for many years to come and, like the greatest keepers, has made mistakes. Middlesbrough lost by three.

Predictably at Pride Park, Frank Lampard’s every touch was booed, as was Wayne Bridge, England’s worst player against Croatia. Derby lost by two, making it England Rejects 8, Boo Boys 0.

At St James’ Park, one particularly 'articulate' individual was pictured screaming at Allardyce: “You don’t know what you’re doing”. Well sir, if you have a better idea of what’s required to win a Premier League football match, get off your lazy posterior and take some coaching badges. If not, support your team and then moan about it afterwards.

Fans claim they boo to voice their displeasure with what has happened on the pitch or because they think it will make a difference in the outcome of the match. Sometimes they boo the officials because it makes them feel like a part of the game and not just an idle spectator.

The truth is booing has never, and will never, achieve anything. People seem to think that players don’t care and therefore aren’t trying. This simply isn’t true. Rather than inspire, booing them will lower their confidence and make them hide away in future games. Of course people are free to criticise, we all do, but criticism should always be constructive. Booing never raises a player's performance, no matter how long or loudly you do it. More likely the end result will be hatred towards the fans that boo a player one day and then cheer him the next.

So next time you feel the need to boo, engage your brain first and think what you want to achieve and will it be achieved by booing? And be wary, because this weekend, like so many, the boo-boys suffered a heavy defeat.