Thierry Henry didn't touch the ball much during France's comprehensive 2-0 friendly defeat by Spain last Wednesday, but when he did, boos and jeers reverberated around the Stade de France.
France supporters are notoriously hard to please and seeing a Spain team ease to victory against their boys probably hammered home the magnitude of the task at this year's World Cup.
But I find it hard to fathom how jeering the captain and record goalscorer, albeit not on every touch, is going to aid their cause.
There is no doubt that Henry has fallen upon hard times. The former Arsenal striker has started just three matches for Barcelona in 2010, with injuries and poor form keeping him on the periphery at Camp Nou. He has never enjoyed playing in that left-wing position at Barca and now faces being fifth in line for a place anywhere in the attack.
Henry was not the only one booed against Spain, with the likes of Franck Ribery and Nicolas Anelka also getting the treatment when substituted.
Les Bleus' supporters need to accept that this is not a vintage France side. They also need to accept that coach Raymond Domenech, a figure of continual derision, is not going to quit or be sacked before the tournament.
Henry has never inspired the same affection from supporters as the great Zinedine Zidane. His infamous handball against the Republic of Ireland in November's World Cup qualifier has caused embarrassment in the country, with many ashamed at the way France qualified for South Africa.
But one of the most exhilarating forwards of the last few years and a player who has scored 51 goals in 117 internationals commands more respect than this.
At 32 he may have lost that scorching pace, but his technique will never desert him and he will still be one of the most refined talents on show in South Africa come June. What happened to encouraging those in possession of the national shirt? Les Bleus fans, and supporters in general, may just find that a little positivity translates into better results on the pitch.
There has been an air of gloom around the camp since the first round exit at Euro 2008, but in their disillusionment at the current set-up, fans must be careful that their dissent from the stands does not stifle what little creativity is left in this team.
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Comments
I agree that the French fans booing their national team is crazy. The lads need to be supported more than ever during this World Cup. The fans should try to build Les Bleus confidence; the team are obviously down on themselves right now. French fans should adopt an “us against the world” posture and encourage the team to punish anyone who takes them lightly. It worked for Italy in ‘06. By the way, how in the hell can anyone boo Frank Ribery?
Yes, I agree. This behavior can only be destructive. Hopefully the fans passionate enough about the cause will support the team in Africa. We are unlikely to see much of the demanding Paris crowd travelling out to South Africa.
I don’t know how they can boo Ribery, but it is symptomatic of their general frustration. If they can boo Ribery, they can boo anyone.
This behavior is very bad. I hope the sanity will pervail and they support the team in Africa.