Kal Naismith admitted frustration got the better of him during Luton Town’s 2-1 victory over Barnsley, as the captain revealed why he confronted a supporter in the first half at Kenilworth Road.
The incident came during a tense afternoon for the Hatters, who knew they had to win to keep their League One play-off hopes alive.
A Nahki Wells’ penalty handed the Hatters an early lead, but Adam Phillips pegged Town back midway through the first half. With the game in the balance, and Town trying to work some openings one supporter voiced frustration at the ball being played backwards.
The defender reacted, engaging in a heated exchange on a couple of occasions during the half and again once the half time whistle was blown, with Mads Andersen running over to usher his captain down the tunnel.
Explaining the row, Naismith told the club’s social media channels: “I’ve said it before, the Luton fans are passionate. I know the Luton way is they want to get it forward and smash, bang, wallop and get goals, that’s what they’ve been so used to seeing.
“Listen, I’ve been guilty at times when it has been on to play forward and I have played backwards this year, so I take that on the chin as well, but sometimes in football when you come down one side, you then need to go back to attack the other side quickly.
“We’ve not got that profile [of] 6ft 4, 6ft 5 striker, and he was just in my ear every time I went backwards and he was frustrating me. I should just let him have his moment shouting to be fair, but I thought the fans were tremendous.
“It’s funny, as you hear that one bit of negativity and I feel everyone else is positive and so on our side. The atmosphere was incredible today, but I did enjoy it when I heard a few people putting him in his place.
“We’re 1-1 in the biggest game of the season, come and support the lads. If you think it’s on to play forward, I see it different. I’m on the pitch, I’m a professional footballer and again I do make mistakes, 100 percent, but I just wanted him to be a little bit more positive and smile.”
Kasey Palmer scored in the 79th minute to hand the Hatters the vital three points, which takes their play-off challenge to the final game of the season against Bolton at the weekend.
Naismith said: “Barnsley are a really good side with really good players. I know they’ve not got much to play for, but you see them in possession, they’re a really good side. We turned up, got the win, Kasey Palmer just knows where he needs to be to get the winner, so I’m delighted.”
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