Robbo apologises for outburst

Last updated : 05 December 2008 By Wba-mad Editor

Fans' favourite Paul Robinson has held his hands up and apologised after his reaction towards the travelling support at the JJB Stadium on Saturday. While usually receiving a hero's ovation at the full-time whistle, Robinson was subject to a small amount of abuse which the tough-tackling left-back reacted to.

The former Watford man insists the fans were right to vent their anger after watching the Baggies let slip a 1-0 lead but admitted that passion and the frustration of gifting Wigan their opener did get the better of him.

"They gave me a bit of abuse and I gave them a bit of abuse back. It's as simple as that," Robbo admitted.

"I don't think there was any malice in it.

"I think it was just a bit of passion between a player and fans that shows we both care.

"They were disappointed because we had lost the game and I was disappointed because of the goal I gave Wigan.

"The fans have been brilliant all year.

"It was just a small group who vented their anger and, too right, they pay good money to come and watch us.

"Hopefully, they will be there at the weekend, get right behind us and cheer us on.

"They want us to win games and it is not that way at the moment.

"But they have been fully supportive of us and getting behind the players.

"If I upset a few of those fans, then I apologise, but that's just me.

"I am passionate. I know they are passionate too."

Robinson also admitted he's been having sleepless nights after his uncharacteristic error and that the incident has had an effect on him. However, Robbo now hopes to put the mistake in the past and is looking forward to the Portsmouth game on Sunday (KO 3pm).

"It was a bad mistake by me and I hold my hands up," he continued.

"I hate making mistakes.

"If I do it in training, I end up kicking a post - or a player!

"That is just the way I am because I hate conceding goals.

"I want to defend and keep clean-sheets in training and the gaffer gets the hump with me for kicking players but that is just my anger and me as a person.

"You should take it personally if you make a mistake.

"I dwelt on it for the next couple of days.

"I got flashbacks of what happened and it hurt me.

"But my mistake was out of character.

"I would never do that again.

"I mistimed the header, misread the ball and it bounced straight to their player.

"I can't let that affect me.

"I've put that away now and I've got to focus on being part of the team for Sunday and getting the three points.

"That is the most important thing."