Portsmouth’s recent upturn in form came crashing to a halt at League One strugglers Accrington Stanley with a devasting 4-1 defeat yesterday.
Despite taking the lead through Ronan Curtis after thirty-five minutes, a second-half collapse saw Pompey concede three goals in fifteen minutes and trudge off the field at the final whistle to some choice words from many of Pompey’s hardcore travelling support.
The result left Kenny Jackett’s side tenth in League One still three points outside the play-off places. It’s a performance way off where Pompey expected to be at this stage of the season. Fans had started to feel more positive after a ten-game unbeaten run in all competitions. However, the toxicity on social media apparent for much of the season soon returned following the humiliating loss to a club that can only dream of the budget available at Fratton Park.
The performance was unacceptable on many levels, even taking into account the number of injuries and suspensions in the squad. It prompted skipper Tom Naylor to issue an apology on the club’s official website to the 733 supporters who watched the game in foul weather on the open away terrace at the Crown Ground. He said: ‘We have to apologise to the fans for the result and the performance, and we appreciate their fantastic support as always.’
The statement caused some debate amongst fans, with many stating they would prefer a refund rather than an apology. Others felt such claims for financial compensation after an unfortunate result are wide of the mark, believing suffering disappointment is just part and parcel of being a match-going supporter.
Some fans also noted the apology did not come from under-fire boss Kenny Jackett who many Pompey fans remain desperate for the club to sack.
Despite director Eric Eisner calling for unity in the wake of events in Lancashire, it is apparent from the reaction to Naylor’s apology on Twitter, the atmosphere around Fratton Park is reaching boiling point, as the following selection of responses illustrate.
Should be issuing a refund to the poor 700+
— (P)aul Thomas (@PDThomas75) December 14, 2019
Jackett hasn’t though. Love you Tom
— luke (@ffslluke) December 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/PFCStew/status/1205925996026892288?s=20
By the sounds of it none of the players made the effort today, think that’s why we got tonked by a team battling relegation
— Frederick van Horn (@FredHorn) December 14, 2019
Pay to refund them, tickets and travel!
— RobHutchison (@hutchisonuk1977) December 15, 2019
https://twitter.com/denwsussex/status/1205925736311328776?s=20
https://twitter.com/denwsussex/status/1205928681643880449?s=20
Have they considered refunding the ticket and travel costs for the 733?
— RobHutchison (@hutchisonuk1977) December 15, 2019
Well they should have wanted it, they should want every game they play. They're paid enough to do a job, and should all give 100% everytime they wear the shirt ffs
— Mark Gibbs (@mgibbs82) December 15, 2019
Refunds make us customers and not the fans we are. We pay our money and take a chance of the team turning up as well. It’s just the way it is even if it does suck 👎
— Christine Pryce (@Bluekriss66) December 14, 2019
It’s a joke the team are not good enough but the manager needs to go now has no passion or drive times up !!
— John Hodgkins (@Johnhodg10) December 14, 2019
