Clarets fans last night left Owen Coyle in no doubt what they thought about his defection to Bolton.

The 5,000 travelling army barracked the manager throughout last night’s match which Bolton won 1-0, with chants of ‘Judas’ and derogatory references to Coyle’s goalscoring record as a player for Wanderers.

Some fans brought banners including a 40ft-long one which read ‘He’s not the messiah, he’s a very naughty boy.’ Another read ‘Hypocrite. Hero 2 Zero’, while there were many signs reading ‘Judas’.

Scores of supporters were also wearing Coyle cut-out masks last worn in triumph as he took Burnley into the Premier League at Wembley last May.

But now they had the word ‘Judas’ emblazoned across the forehead.

Every time the former Clarets manager came to the edge of his technical area during the game he was met with a chorus of boos that swept round the Burnley fans who filled one end of the Reebok Stadium.

At full-time following Bolton’s victory win, Coyle shook the hand of every player before clapping and then waving at Burnley’s travelling support.

This prompted a fresh wave of anger from the stands.

Clarets fan Peter Ramsbottom, of Great Harwood, said: “The treatment was well deserved. It could have been a lot worse.

“Now the fans need to stick with the new manager Brian Laws, that’s the most important thing now. We need to concentrate on staying up.”

Gary Smith, of Burnley, said: “I joined in with the abuse because it was well deserved.

"I feel angry at the way he left the club and I am gutted about tonight’s result.

“But it is time to move on and get behind the new manager.”

Stuart Gibson, 25, of Padiham, said: “It was to be expected after what he has done.

"I was shouting Judas with the rest of the fans I’m not afraid to say.”

Mark McDonnell, 15, and his brother-in-law Michael Hyland, 20, both wore Owen Coyle masks with Judas written across forehead.

Mark, a Mount Carmel pupil from Accrington, said: “We have done this because Coyle left the club in a relegation dogfight for another club in the relegation zone.”

Kevin Savory, of Waterfoot, said: “I think Coyle deserves it. Fans have a right to voice their opinions.”

Jean Wild-Mills, wife of well-known fan Rocky Mills, 68, of Burnley, said: “He is a Judas and deserved all of the stick he got.”