An Open Letter to the Boo Boys

Dear fans,

We’ve all got that guy… you know, the one who sits a few seats, or a few rows away from you. And er, sorry if you are that guy I’m talking about. The one who’s negative about the team from before the whistles even gone and who thinks he’s the manager of the century.

I was sat next to one in the Bobby Moore Upper against Peterborough and he was on Carlton Cole’s back before he’d even kicked a ball. No wonder we’re bad at home – shouting negative comments and jeering players from the off will never help the team.

As cheesy and as clichéd as it sounds, we’re meant to be the twelfth man; Upton Park is meant to be a fortress that intimidates teams and it cannot fulfil that role if the fans who go are abusive the players when they haven’t got a reason to be.

I’m not saying that abuse or criticism is always wrong – far from it. What I am trying to say is that there are people out there who don’t even give the team a chance before letting their feelings be known. Those 11 men are representing your club and they have to have your support, at least until the end of the game. Fair enough if you boo at the final whistle after a defeat, but while the game is going on we all need to get behind the boys and cheer them on to getting some precious points.

Oh and, to be honest, how much of a mug must you be to pay to go somewhere and just get really angry? Doesn’t make much sense to me…