Bobby Zamora has questioned a section of Fulham fans after receiving abuse from the terraces.
Cottagers forward unhappy at fan treatment
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora has questioned a section of the club's fans after receiving abuse from the terraces.
The 28-year-old target-man let out an emotional outburst after he scored against Sunderland earlier in the month at Craven Cottage after criticism of his form.
Zamora, who has been sharp in front of goal of late, believes modern fans are too protected and is unhappy at some of the abuse aimed his way.
"They (fans) are too protected," he said in
The Guardian. "If they are walking down the street and somebody says something like that, they get a slap.
"Just because they are at a football match they are allowed to say certain things I don't think are too acceptable.
"This season we've done well, we've been winning games, and people are still abusing not only myself but other players.
"A little while ago Damien Duff was warming up at our place before the game and some people were going, 'Oy, you're a ...' and I thought, hang on a minute, we haven't even kicked a ball yet and he has been hot for us this season.
"I just can't get my head round some people. I just think, if you are a supporter, support your team.
"You expect it at away grounds, fair enough, but from your own supporters it is a bit strange.
"It wouldn't make me want to leave but it's not nice. I wish at times football could be a happier environment.
"If you ask Joe Bloggs down the street how many assists I have had this season they wouldn't be able to tell you.
"Or how many team-mates I have set up for a shot at goal. Or pass completion. They just know goals, full stop."
Faith
Zamora moved to Fulham from West Ham in July last year although he was far from prolific in front of goal during the last campaign.
This season, however, he has scored nine goals in all competitions and thanks his manager Roy Hodgson for keeping faith with him.
"The gaffer has been behind me from day one," he added.
"There was a lot of pressure on me to score goals last year. Because I wasn't, the press and the fans didn't think I should be playing.
"But the gaffer and the players appreciated what I was doing for the team. That's all that matters really.
"After the Sunderland game, the gaffer told me to keep doing what I was doing, that I was proving people wrong with the way I was playing."
