Cohen Bramall has called for calm and togetherness after witnessing fighting among Luton supporters at the end of last week’s defeat at Reading, saying scrapping scenes in the away end were “the last thing that we need” at a crucial point in the season.
The winger was directly in front of the incident following the 3-2 loss after approaching the travelling Town fans, where he appeared to be berated by one man who was then involved in an altercation with another.
The 29-year-old and admitted he understood the frustration behind it, but stressed that turning on each other was damaging for everyone connected with the club.
“I get why the fans are upset after the loss,” Bramall told LTFC+ after the Hatters had recovered from 2-0 down but then conceded immediately after equalising, with the former Portsmouth player missing a header in the build-up.
“To be fair, I thought the fans after the game were really appreciative. It was just one of them things where fans got really upset and angry and it’s turned into a bust-up.
“But that’s the last thing that we need, going to war with each other. We don’t really want to implode from the inside. We need everyone together.”
Bramall said the players had felt the backing from the travelling Hatters at the end of the game, despite the disappointment of conceding.
“The lads really appreciate how, on a Thursday night, they came to Reading with us and battled with us the whole way,” he said. “There was a massive clap for us and that goes a long way with us.
“I just don’t want people fighting. It’s not nice to see and there’s young lads out. It’s just not good.”
The Lutonian journalist James Cunliffe has since explained in the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust Podcast, via an eyewitness source, that the fracas was not to do with the result or the performance.
Bramall also rejected any suggestion that the players were detached from the anger felt in the stands, insisting the dressing room was equally frustrated after a performance he felt deserved more.
“We are frustrated,” he said. “Sometimes the fans might see that like we don’t care, but trust me, we really do.
“I think against Reading that’s the best way that we played all season. I know we didn’t get the win and we’ve made individual mistakes. I’ve made a mistake. I’ve got to win the header. We take it on the chin.”
Bramall echoed Jack Wilshere’s assessment that Luton are being punished harshly for lapses in concentration, describing the goals conceded as “soft”.
“I agree with the gaffer,” he said. “They are soft. Teams are scoring against us from our mistakes and that’s what we need to cut out. Once we do that and take the game by the scruff of the neck, we’ll be all good.”
With a heavy festive schedule looming, starting with the Boxing Day visit of Wycombe Wanderers, Bramall said unity between players and supporters was more important than ever, particularly at Kenilworth Road.
“Especially in this Christmas period where there’s a lot of games coming up, we need everyone up on their feet and backing us, especially at the Kenny,” he said.
“We’ve got loads of games left. We’re not even halfway through the season. We just need to stay positive, stay together and attack it head on.”
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