Aston Villa Football Club News

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

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

Villa jeering angers O'Neill

16 Mar 2009 - 07:30:53

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Martin O'Neill has accused some Aston Villa supporters of having short memories after they cheered the substitution of Gabriel Agbonlahor during Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The England striker was jeered when he was replaced during the closing stages of the game which saw Villa slip out of the top four for the first time since December.

Agbonlahor has scored 11 times this season but only once since the turn of the year and after the fan reaction, O'Neill revealed his disappointment.

"Gabby has been fantastic for this football club. Ever since I have known him, two and a half years ago, he has been brilliant," said O'Neill.

"I have got to tell you that is no way to treat him after what he has done here. I can put up with many other things but that was uncalled for and people have short memories.

"I've always said if you pay your money you can do what you want but that sort of thing doesn't help anybody."

Meanwhile, O'Neill still believes Villa can edge out Arsenal in the race for fourth place and clinch the final Champions League qualifying spot despite their current downturn.

He added: "In November we lost two games in six days and then went on a 13-match unbeaten run.

"We probably have to get something from the next two games which will be pretty difficult, but I believe it is possible that we can still fight back - and the players feel that too."