Simon Grayson urged Leeds fans to get behind his players after Jermaine Beckford responded to criticism with a gesture.
Leeds boss urges fans to support under-fire striker
Simon Grayson has urged Leeds fans to get behind his players after Jermaine Beckford responded to a barrage of criticism with a gesture.
The 26-year-old was replaced by Luciano Becchio during a 2-0 win against Southend and Argentine striker Becchio went on to score United's second goal after Max Gradel had opened the scoring.
Beckford was on the receiving end of some abuse from a section of the Elland Road crowd in the first half and the frustrated striker reacted with an angry gesture.
"The fans pay their money so they can chant things but they can only help players by getting behind them. Jermaine hasn't got a problem with it and nor have I," said Grayson. "Strikers thrive on confidence and after going a few games without scoring, maybe Jermaine's confidence is dwindling.
"I heard a few fans having a go at him and then some backed him. Luciano wasn't 100 per cent fit to play but we had to change the system and the personnel and it worked.
"I said the other day that I am not afraid to take my captain off or my leading scorer or a young kid if those decisions benefit the team."
