Monday 12 January 2015 15:58, UK
Millwall boss Ian Holloway has defended Ricardo Fuller after the striker reacted angrily to criticism from supporters during Saturday's 1-0 loss at Blackpool.
Holloway accepts Fuller was wrong to let abuse from the travelling fans get the better of him but has backed the forward's passion on the field of play.
"Like the fans, I want every single one of Millwall's players to be passionate and to care about doing well for this club, and Ricky is certainly one who has those qualities in abundance," declared Holloway on the club website.
"Unfortunately, that passion boiled over on Saturday. Ricky knows he shouldn't have reacted in the way that he did and he has apologised for what happened.
"Everyone in the dressing room after the game saw how passionate he is when he was talking about it. He desperately wants to do well for us and for the fans, and he was as frustrated as they were when he took the shot that went wrong.
"Ricky had scored two for us the week before and I'm very pleased with his contribution this season. I'm lucky to have him here because he is the type of player who gives absolutely everything for the cause.
"He leaves nothing out there on the pitch and if he wasn't like that, and he didn't try his absolute hardest, then I wouldn't be picking him.
"I know how much he wants to help us win and that will be exactly the same on Wednesday. The replay with Bradford is a huge game for the club and we need to stay true to our fantastic motto, 'Stronger Together'."
