Frank McAvennie has fumed at Kalvin Phillips after the loanee was spotted swearing at West Ham fans following the 4-3 defeat to Newcastle in which he gave away a penalty.
Phillips was filmed getting on the team coach after the game with fans shouting abuse to him, as he responded by swearing back at them – something McAvennie insists you can’t do.
The former Hammers man lamented the midfielder for making “mistake after mistake” since joining on loan, and went as far as to suggest he would be surprised if he ever plays for the club again.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – told Phillips he needs to get his head down and work hard because if you fight for the Hammers fans then they’ll pay you back in kind.
“You don’t do that to any fans, but certainly not West Ham fans. You’ve had a nightmare, why are you blaming other people? Get your head down and get on with it,” McAvennie fumed.
“Get your head down in training and try to do something for the fans. He’s cost a few goals since he joined West Ham. Since then it’s been mistake after mistake.
“He might think he’s Billy Big Bananas at Man City and that’s why he’s doing that, but that’s not the kind of club that West Ham is. You’ve got to get your head down and work. The fans demand that. If you fight for them and work hard for them, they’ll back you to the hilt.
“Doing that to the fans is just a no-go. I think he’ll hear it the next time he plays – if he plays again. I don’t think he’ll play again this season.“
Kalvin Phillips faces further criticism at West Ham
Following the incident against Newcastle, Phillips was left as an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham at the London Stadium – perhaps signifying David Moyes’ reluctance to turn to him after what happened.
McAvennie’s rant comes after Jeff Stelling insisted his sympathy lies with Phillips rather than the fans abusing him, insisting that he should be able to give some back if they are abusing him, in direct contrast to what the former Hammer said.
The clash against Newcastle, in which the Hammers conceded three goals in 13 minutes to overturn their 3-1 lead, saw the latest instalment of Phillips’ nightmare loan move to the London Stadium that has made a huge dent in his reputation.
Phillips has struggled since moving on loan to the London Stadium, and constant criticism and abuse will do nothing to help the situation, as he will need the support of the fans to help him get back on track – but that support and respect must be earned, which he has failed to do.
