Gabriel Agbonlahor admits he was ‘upset’ to be the
target of abuse from Aston Villa fans but is now resolved to ignore
feedback from the terraces, whether good or bad.
Agbonlahor has enjoyed an impressive season in Villa’s colours
having scored 11 goals in 32 Premier League appearances and made
his international debut with England.
But that did not stop some sections of the club’s support from
booing him when he was substituted during a defeat to Tottenham
Hotspur on March 15.
For a born-and-bred Brummie, Agbonlahor has conceded that the
abuse was difficult to hear, even if he believes it did stem from
the fans’ frustration with a poor run of form from Martin O’Neill’s
side.
"Yes, that was a bit upsetting", the Agbonlahor told the Daily
Telegraph. "You don't expect that from your own fans.
“Ever since I started here I've always had the crowd on my side,
cheering my name and stuff. So to have that happen didn't feel
right.
"I don't really know why they did it. They were probably upset
because they'd been used to seeing us win games and in the top four
for a long time. Maybe they wanted to take it out on someone.
"But that's fans for you. It's not just at Villa, it's the same
at most clubs. Eboue got it at Arsenal, didn't he? If they're used
to winning games they turn quite quickly and look for people to
blame when things go wrong.
“I think to myself, if they want to do that then I'll block it
out and just play my own game. Pretend I can't hear them, even when
I start playing well again."