Derek Llambias blasts those that booed Andy Carroll

May 8 2011 by Mark Douglas, Sunday Sun

NEWCASTLE United managing director Derek Llambias has criticised supporters who booed Andy Carroll at Anfield.

The Toon chief made the comments in his programme notes for the Birmingham game, saying it was difficult to stomach the barrage of insults aimed at Newcastle’s former No 9.

Carroll left United for £35m in the January transfer window, a move partly prompted by him handing in a transfer request.

But Llambias reckons Newcastle fans were wrong to boo a player who scored 11 goals for Toon this season.

He wrote: “I was disappointed with the very negative treatment some of our supporters gave our former No 9 Andy Carroll. Andy faced a barrage of insults from a section of fans in the stadium, which he most certainly did not deserve.

“The abuse he received was difficult to stomach after everything Andy brought to our club, and I only hope he didn’t pay too much attention to the taunts being directed at him from the stands.

“To go from hero to villain simply for moving clubs, which is just part and parcel of football, is beyond me.

“As we all know, Andy came up through the Academy and played a pivotal role for this football club.

“I speak for everyone at the club when I say he will always be welcomed back at St James’ Park with open arms.”