Agbonlahor 'upset' by Villa abuse
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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."