CHRIS Waddle today rounded on the Turf Moor boo boys and blasted: "Give the players a chance."

Waddle says a section of the Turf Moor support have brought a fear factor to Burnley's home performances.

And he wants the criticism to stop as Burnley bid to scale the Division Two table.

The player-manager said: "The fans want us to do well but I think they are far too eager to jump on the player's backs for unnecessary reasons.

"While the support is fantastic I think at times they moan or complain too easily.

"It gets to the lads and I think they put an edge on the players against Walsall. I could feel that edge out on the pitch.

"We don't need that because it is hard enough when we are the bottom of the League and not getting the luck.

"The worst thing in the world for a footballer is hearing your home crowd screaming and bawling at you when you make a mistake.

"No player gives the ball away intentionally but mistakes do happen at any level of football.

"I thought the players were very brave against Walsall.

"Obviously the fans want success quickly and I can understand their frustration because of our lowly League position.

"But it takes time to achieve success and this is a long-term thing. "However, the fans are not going to make it any easier if they are going to put extra pressure on the players.

"I understand it must be nerve-wracking sitting in the stand watching the game develop but our fans just have to be more patient."

The 2-1 victory over Walsall lifted the Clarets one place in the table as Waddle prepares for tomorrow's tricky trip to Luton Town.

It leaves Burnley unbeaten in their last six League games since a 2-1 reverse at Brentford on September 27.

Walsall's controversial second half goal sparked controversy with Burnley number two Glenn Roeder angrily protesting to a linesman that goalkeeper Marlon Beresford was fouled in the build-up.

That led to referee Eddie Lomas banishing Roeder to the stand for the final 10 minutes of the contest.

Waddle smiled: "Glenn just said to the linesman: 'I think you've made a wrong decision, sir.

"We thought it was a definite foul on Marlon. We expected the referee to give a free kick, not a goal!

"The linesman had a better view than us so we had a go at him.

"The referee didn't agree so Glenn had to go and sit in the stand. He was very noisy in the directors box."

Rossendale Clarets have a few places left on their coach to Luton. Details phone 01706 224924.

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