Kolo Toure has pleaded with Arsenal supporters to lay off his Ivory Coast compatriot Emmanuel Eboue.
Gunners defender shocked at the treatment of his team-mate
Kolo Toure has pleaded with Arsenal supporters to lay off his Ivory Coast compatriot Emmanuel Eboue.
Eboue became a target for terrace abuse at the weekend as he struggled to make a positive impact in a 1-0 victory over Wigan.
The 25-year-old was introduced as a 32nd minute substitute during the Emirates Stadium clash, but was hauled off by Arsene Wenger before the end as the jeers rained down upon him.
Those who participated in the heckling have seen their actions widely condemned, while Toure believes his team-mate just needs more time to get his sharpness back after a recent spell on the sidelines.
Surprised
"He came on after six weeks out injured and that was his first game," said the Gunners centre-half.
"The fans gave him a hard time and that is not usual at Arsenal. He has all our support because we know he is a great player. He tries his best for the team even if he is not 100 per cent.
"I was surprised because normally our fans are nice always. I think the tension was really high and that is why they were hard.
"I just want to tell them that he is a great lad, he loves the club and wants to do his best for the club. We hope that next time they will help him to come back. That is the only way to behave.
"In the end we had three points and that is good. He will have a chat with the boss and I think he will come back."
