Brazil stars hit back at fans

Players unhappy after being booed off against Argentina

By Patricio Figueroa   Last updated: 21st June 2008

julio baptista brazil

Baptista: Disappointed

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Brazil's Gilberto Silva, Julio Baptista and Juan have condemned the country's fans for their lack of support.

Dunga's side were booed off the field following their 0-0 draw with arch-rivals Argentina in a 2010 World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

While Brazil failed to put in a commanding performance during the derby encounter, many of their players have vented their frustration at the manner in which a hard-earned point was deemed a failure.

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva feels that the supporters must learn to appreciate the efforts of the squad, while also questioning the appreciation they reserved for Argentina's Lionel Messi.

Tough

"It's tough being in your own country and seeing 60,000 fans boo your coach and celebrate what a player for the other team has done," said the veteran World Cup winner.

"We had to leave our families to come at play at the Mineirao Stadium and we did the best we could.

"We haven't been able to win, but we made a big effort against a very good side.

"Messi is a good player but our supporters don't have to applaud what he does, they should applaud us."

Sad

Real Madrid forward Baptista was another upset at, what he feels, was unfair treatment.

"It's very sad because when we play away nobody comes to support us," he said.

"Argentina have not won in Brazil for a long time and they have not beaten us for a long time.

"I have never lost a final against Argentina, but our supporters preferred to applaud what they did and not support us."

Regular

In addition, Roma centre-half Juan revealed his anger at a situation which is becoming all too frequent.

"We are used to things like this," he said.

"Every time we play at home and we don't win things like this happen.

"But I don't agree with what the supporters did."