We will not tolerate foul abuse from fans: Jeffrey
A DEFIANT David Jeffrey hit out at the Ballymena United booboys who confronted him and his players at the final whistle of Saturday’s Danske Bank Premiership defeat away to bottom side Warrenpoint Town.
The 2-1 loss was the Braidmen’s 11th league game in succession without a win, harking back to their last success against Cliftonville on September 28.
A number of fans confronted Jeffrey as he exited the Milltown pitch to voice their displeasure at the performance as the visitors were unable to fully recover from Point’s two quick-fire first half goals form Emmett Bennett and Brandon Doyle.
Tony Kane did pull one back before the break, but despite dominating in the second period, Jeffrey’s men couldn’t break down a resolute home defence.
“I can understand disappointment and frustration, and I understand that when people pay their money, should they wish to criticise, then they are more than entitled to do that. In terms of responsibility and accountability, Brian McLaughlin and I have never ever shied away from that and we never will,” said Jeffrey.
“What is unacceptable and what should not be tolerated is foul abuse, end of story. I’m not suddenly becoming a shrinking violet. I’ve been a target through all the time I’ve played and managed, so criticism is fine and reasonable. We’re being self-critical too. It’s not as if we don’t care, because we care deeply.
“I don’t mind in any way people being critical, I don’t mind them showing that criticism or showing their disappointment, absolutely not in any way, shape or form. But when there’s some of the abuse that is aimed, that’s unacceptable. We’ve had a number of players consistently unavailable. Some players came in today, others went out. That’s not an excuse, it’s just a simple fact. We’ve never made unavailability an excuse and I’ve said to the players afterwards that it’s not as if you’re not working hard or not caring. The simple fact is that you’ve got to defend better and you’ve got to be more clinical in front of goal.”