Originally posted by fallenangle
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I agree that if a player doesn't look like they're putting in the effort, they shouldn't expect the support of the crowd. However, I've seen plenty of dodgy Spurs performances over the years and rarely have I thought that they were playing badly because they simply couldn't be arsed (the occasional individual player, but never the team as a whole).
When we play a team from outside the top six or seven, unless we score early or are creating tons of chances, the support falls away very quickly. I agree that eventually a crowd will become quiet and critical if all they see is mistakes, but in my view it happens way too early at WHL these days. Ten minutes into a match without a goal and it's not uncommon for the crowd to have gone silent.
In my view all this does is hinder the team. It may be entertainment but it's a unique form of entertainment where the crowd is an active participant. Also, first and foremost, it's a sport where psychology plays a massive part.
When we're playing a team like Hull who had a ton of players behind the ball, voicing disapproval and not getting behind the team when we're finding it really tough to break the opposition down is only giving our opponents more of an advantage. When the team is having a tough time like that, surely that's the most important time to get behind them and really voice your support?
Originally posted by fallenangle
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I'm sure at some point he will hit a patch of bad form (every player does) where he's tackled every time he tries a dribble, can't find a team mate with a cross, and fluffs some easy chances in front of goal, and he can't understand why things aren't working.
Then, the crowd still chanting his name, despite poor performances, will be even more important to help him get his confidence and form back. If the crowd reaction was "Start playing well again, until then, no cheers for you," I'd bet good money it would take him longer to get back to his best. I think the same principal applies to the team as a whole.
IMHO

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