Sunday 17 April 2016 14:28, UK
Aston Villa fans have reacted furiously after defender Joleon Lescott described the club’s relegation as a “weight off the shoulders”.
Villa will play in the Sky Bet Championship next season after Saturday's 1-0 loss at Manchester United confirmed their demotion from the Premier League.
Defeat at Old Trafford was Villa's 24th in 34 Premier League games and in his post-match interview with the BBC, Lescott said having relegation sealed meant he and the players could move on.
"Regardless of how we played in patches today, we are relegated," he said.
"But now it's confirmed, maybe it's a weight off the shoulders and we can give these fans what they deserve, some performances."
The comments have provoked an angry response from Aston Villa fans.
Now it's confirmed, maybe it's a weight off the shoulders and we can give these fans what they deserve, some performances.
"Joleon Lescott is a disgrace and his comments typify the mentality at Villa Park," one fan wrote on Twitter.
Another post read: "Joleon Lescott really is a walking PR disaster, isn't he? Relegation is a weight off the players' shoulders?"
"Wow," read another response. "I genuinely thought that Lescott's quote was made up by some Twitter account. Unbelievable."
Football pundit and former Middlesbrough striker Jan Aage Fjortoft posted: "When I read Lescott's comments I am not sure I support freedom of speech."
Lescott has incurred the wrath of the Villa faithful on numerous occasions this season.
In January, the 26-cap England international and goalkeeper Brad Guzan were involved in verbal exchanges with supporters during January's 1-1 FA Cup third round draw with Wycombe.
A month later, Lescott tweeted a photo of a £125,000 sportscar shortly after Villa were thrashed 6-0 at Liverpool, although the defender later said his phone was in his pocket and the social media post was accidental.
