Southampton fans fume as Martin aims dig at away supporters

The only goal of the match at Villa Park came courtesy of Jhon Duran in the 24th minute just moments after a hairy moment in possession.

Goalkeeper Joe Lumley passed the ball straight to the hosts in the box but they were unable to capitalise with two shots at the open goal blocked.

And when the shaken Lumley instead opted to go long with the ball at his feet shortly after, the travelling Saints fans to his left cheered ironically.

"We played out and got pressed just before that, which then makes Joe kick and it gets a cheer from the supporters, and we concede within about 10 seconds, so it is what it is," said Martin, speaking to BBC Radio Solent.

"They have a right to criticise everything else but it's really important to understand why we do things. We kick it to our two smallest players and it comes back."

Fans were left perplexed and seething at the perceived slight after they braved the conditions of Storm Darragh to follow Saints to the Midlands.

Some of the supporter reactions on social media site X include...

Russell Martin has just blamed the Aston Villa goal on the #SaintsFC fans urging Joe Lumley to get rid of the ball. Incredible.@AdamBlackmore

— Scott (@NorthamScott) December 7, 2024

Martin criticising the fans who travelled up in the middle of a storm. Good one. That alone should be a sackable offence. Protests & fan unrest needs to be loud next weekend. Not just at Russell, but at everyone involved with Sport Republic #SaintsFC

— Rob Price (@SaintRobinho86) December 7, 2024

Russell Martin blaming the away fans for our conceded goal… Those same #SaintsFC fans who have just travelled to Birmingham during a Red Weather Warning storm….

It isn’t exactly his smartest move. #SaintsFC

— 🔴Rhys⚪️ (@RhysTheSaint) December 7, 2024

That wasn’t on my bingo card.

Russell Martin seemingly blaming the Southampton fans in the stadium for the goal they conceded.

😳😳😳#Saintsfc

— SaintsNews&Views (@SaintsfcViews) December 7, 2024

Wind your neck in Russell. People are ironically cheering because it’s your stubborn style of football that has led to us breaking the record for mistakes leading to goals in a season within 15 games. We’re fed up, we hoped it would work, but it isn’t & you won’t adapt. #saintsfc https://t.co/umeaPFBf2R pic.twitter.com/d6HzqDiQsa

— Jake Wade (@Wado_1993) December 7, 2024

Although Martin did not 'blame' supporters for the goal as some have suggested - he only pointed out a fact - it is an unwise dig. 

Saints have won fewer points (five) after 15 matches than Derby County did in 2007/08, when they went on to set the Premier League's record lowest points total.

Supporters voiced their feelings following the 5-1 midweek defeat at home to Chelsea and the trip to Villa Park did little to alleviate their concerns.

They managed zero shots on target for the second time in a league match this season and account for 50 per cent of such occurrences in the division.

Martin was asked about his future and responded: "It is not in my control, what is in my control is the energy I can give my players.

"I cannot work out how we are on five points with big decisions against us and terrible injuries. It will be down to the owners' belief in us and what we do."