Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan Browne has criticised the Preston North End fans for cheering the substitution of one of their onw players.
The Corkman was an absentee in Preston North End's disappointing 3-0 loss away to Nottingham Forest.
Despite beating table toppers Bournemouth earlier in the week, things didn't go to plan for the Lilywhites three days later at the City Ground.
A brace from Lewis Grabban and a goal from former Newcastle man Jack Colback was the difference in the game.
As the match unfolded, a rather bizarre incident happened in the 56th minute, as Preston's Brad Potts made his way off the pitch. It appeared that Preston fans were cheering Potts being subbed off.
Lanc Live described the scenes as fans showed an air of contempt towards the midfielder:
There were cheers when Brad Potts, who admittedly blazed over an unbelievable opportunity just before half-time, was taken off the pitch. Replays showed he also turned his back on Jack Colback's shot for the second goal. Again, poor. Not good enough. The number 44 comes in for more stick than anyone at PNE; Ryan Ledson described him earlier this season as the scapegoat. The midfielder should've scored his chance and does frustrate at times. But the jeers were highly uncomfortable. It just didn't feel like North End or what this club is about. You very rarely look at Potts as someone not playing for the shirt, regardless of any held view on his ability.
Preston have much, much bigger issues than Brad Potts, let's put it that way.
— Deepdale Digest (@DeepdaleDigest) November 8, 2021
The former Barnsley man arrived for a record transfer fee in 2019, and most recently signed an extension to his contract keeping him at the club until 2024.
Preston's Problems
Club captain Alan Browne wasn't pleased to see what unfolded against Forest, as he made his thoughts known from Irish camp last night.
Absolute joke https://t.co/UrhHVGmvfz
— Alan Browne (@Alan__Browne) November 8, 2021
It’s not rocket science. Fans cheering a player being substituted is a joke.
— Alan Browne (@Alan__Browne) November 8, 2021
Preston fans have their share of concerns about manager Frankie McAvoy at Deepdale Stadium given they sit seventeenth in the Championship.
Supporters appear to be divided about the direction the club is heading and about the treatment of Brad Potts during the Forest game.
Chairman Craig Hemmings was prompted to release a statement, after the death of father Trevor, to reassure fans that 'playing good football and winning is paramount.'
Browne remains an injury worry for Stephen Kenny as he sat out the Forest game with back problems. He missed out on Ireland's last two internationals.
The Cork native last featured for the Republic of Ireland in a 1-1 draw with Serbia at the Aviva Stadium in September.
See Also: FAI Says Abuse Of Referees 'Will Not Be Tolerated'
