Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

Gabby hurt by Villa boo-boys

24 Apr 2009 - 12:25:31

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Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has admitted to being hurt by the boo-boys who turned on him following a dip in form.

The England striker was jeered by some Villa fans when he was substituted by manager Martin O'Neill during last month's 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham.

O'Neill was outraged at the reaction and Agbonlahor has now revealed that he was hurt and surprised by the treatment.

The club's 12-goal top-scorer has recovered from a calf strain in time to face Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

"Yes, that was a bit upsetting," he conceded. "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, so to have that happen didn't feel right.

"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.

"It's not just at Villa, it's the same at most clubs. (Emmanuel) 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. I'll pretend I can't hear them, even when I start playing well again."