Capello turns on boo-boys
12 Oct 2008 - 07:59:49
England coach Fabio Capello hit out at the Wembley crowd who jeered Ashley Cole during Saturday's 5-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Kazakhstan.
The Italian coach was unhappy that sections of the home support booed the Chelsea full-back after his mistake gifted the opposition a second-half goal through Zhambyi Kukeyev when England were leading 2-0 at the time.
Captain Rio Ferdinand scored the opener before two goals from Wayne Rooney, an own goal from Alexandr Kuchma and a clinical finish from substitute Jermain Defoe secured England's third successive victory to leave them clear at the top of Group Six.
But despite admitting his delight at the second-half performance from his players, Capello was deeply unhappy with the treatment of Cole.
He said: "I couldn't understand the crowd booing Ashley Cole after he made a mistake.
"It is possible for one player to make mistake. It is very important that the crowd help him and not boo him.
"But the crowd was very strong for us. After the first half, they helped us a lot."
England had been held to a goalless draw at half-time but Capello brought on Shaun Wright-Phillips for Gareth Barry at the interval and the floodgates opened in the second period.
"I am happy for the result and especially the second half," he added.
"The result was the all important thing and we got a good win.
"We have nine points now from three games and have scored plenty of goals. It's job done."