Eric Black: Villa fans have a right to boo

Villa are going down from the top-flight for the first time since 1987, confirmed by the previous weekend's loss at Manchester United.

And the home fans watched the claret and blues be defeated again today, this time in a error strewn 4-2 defeat against Southampton.

Ashley Westwood's double was little consolation for Villa, who were constantly jeered by their own fans after gifting the Saints their first two goals.

Dusan Tadic's double and goals from the impressive Shane Long and Sadio Mane kept the visitors' slim Europa League chances open.

Defeat was Villa's 10th straight league loss and they are a game away from equalling a club-record run, when they lost 11 matches in 1962-63.

Leandro Bacuna, Joleon Lescott, Brad Guzan and Micah Richards were prime targets for the boo boys, but Black refused to criticise the fans.

This week, supporters have seen club captain Gabby Agbonlahor suspended as the club investigate alleged laughing gas use.

It's also been revealed Jores Okore has effectively gone on strike, by refusing to be on the bench against Bournemouth earlier this month.

Black said: "It's difficult circumstances, they are trying to voice their opinions. We are professional people, professional footballers, and it's not always rosy in the garden.

"I can only do what I do and try to improve them but we are not at the bottom of the league because we're the best team and have the best players.

"We have to keep working hard with them and they have to remain professional. I'm standing there so I'll take it (the abuse).

"I understand the fans' frustrations and they have ideas on what team they want to see, but I can't be led down that road.

"They've have had the worst season in recent history, they have seen poor results and performances. They have every right to voice their anger."