Football fans are notoriously patient and reasonable people – especially when they get together as a big mob.
So it was entirely justified for Belgium supporters to vent their frustration towards their star striker Romelu Lukaku by booing him during their match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday night.
Belgium of course boast some of the most talented players in world football right now. Their fans get to watch the likes of Eden Hazard, Christian Benteke, Toby Alderweireld, Kevin Mirallas, Divock Origi and many more play in their country’s colours, after years offailing to qualify for major tournaments.
So it is of course entirely right and proper that should this band of ‘ballers not produce scintillating football every time they go out on to the pitch, the fans should show their displeasure.
In Friday’s match – a Group H World Cup qualifier – the Red Devils were a paltry 3-0 up after an own goal from Emir Spahic, as well as goals from Alderweireld and Hazard, when Lukaku was put through for what looked like a sure fire fourth.
But the Everton striker blazed over the bar:
And quite rightly, the Belgium fans booed him.
Lukaku did later get on the score sheet – wrapping up a 4-0 win with a goal 11 minutes from the final whistle.
Too little, too late, Rom.
After the match Belgium boss Roberto Martinez outrageously suggested the fans should not have booed the young striker – and instead should show him support.
“The chemistry between players and fans is a key ingredient for success,” he said.
“It hurt me to be hearing a player booed. It made me think back to the game against Spain.
“The only cure for Romelu is to score goals, that’s football.
“Romelu is still young, I know him well, so I knew he was right in his head to make up for his mistake. and he did. I hope the fans realize that Romelu needs their support to shine.”
Shocking from the manager to try to tell the fans that booing players is not going to help them. What is he thinking?
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