PALERMO VOWS TO FIGHT ON

MARTIN PALERMO hit back at his critics with a goal on Sunday but then found himself back in the Villarreal faithful's bad books by getting sent off late on for deliberately handling the ball into the net.

Palermo, the Argentinian international, has failed to adapt to the rigours of La Liga and recently boss Victor Munoz was moved to defend his mis-firing striker.

However, his sending off led to boos ringing around El Madrigal, something that hurt Palermo.

Palermo said: "I know that in the end I will overcome the situation, because it is not the first time they have insulted me.

"Something similar happened in Boca when I arrived there and in other teams I have played in, but I don't worry about it.

"If the fans don't like me they are entitled to give their opinion, but they will have to accept I will fight to change their opinion.

"Villarreal is not just Palermo.  There are ten players that need the encouragement of the fans.  I understand that there are people that do not like me, but it has happened before and I was able to change it, I will work towards the same thing here."