Abrahams: Aston Villa and West Ham fans are idiots

TalkSPORT reporter Ian Abrahams, better known as Moose has blasted supporters of West Ham and Aston Villa for booing former players upon their return to their former clubs.

Aston Villa booed Jack Grealish on his return to Villa Park while West Ham fans did the same to Declan Rice when he returned with Arsenal last night.

It was Rice’s first time back at the London Stadium following his £105 million move in the summer and sections of their fanbase didn’t hold back.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s breakfast show this morning, Moose said: “I’ve got to say, and this will be unpopular with West Ham fans, those who booed him last night showed a complete lack of class and a complete lack of awareness of what this guy has done for West Ham, I thought it was embarrassing.

“If you want to do a little comical boo when he gets up to warm up for the first time, I’d have understood, maybe even the next time he got up – it’s football banter. But to boo him when he came on and every time he touched the ball – come on!”

When Gabriel Agbonlahor informed Abrahams that Villa fans did the same, Moose replied: “Well they’re idiots.”

The booing of former players

When Grealish left Villa, it hurt and I am sure West Ham fans felt the same with Rice. Although as supporters we may understand their reasoning for leaving, it doesn’t mean we need to agree with it.

Like most Villa fans with Grealish, I am sure most Hammers fans would take Rice back in a heartbeat.

I have a different view on the booing of former players to a lot of people. Should it be done pre-match once their name is announced over the tannoy or when he touches the ball in-game? Absolutely. At that time, they are opposition players and if booing puts them off, we need to do anything (within reason) to gain an advantage.

Those who want to applaud and pay respect to their former players can do so once the game has finished.